Very deep in the ancient wood
secreted among the old-growth
nestles a serene forest clearing
soft filtered sunlight falls in rays
gently through the green canopy
enwraps golden the sacred space
a breeze stirs quietly overhead
rustling brightly in the treetops
whispering of nature’s memories
a downed Douglas Fir slumbers
snug decades in its moss blanket
wrapped in earth’s final embrace
beyond to my left a hidden path
breaks subtly through the trees
offers a glimpse of deep azure
I swoon
captivated by nature’s beauty
I’m hiking Lost Lake’s ancient forest
my footfalls drum the root chambers
of this Oregon mountain old growth
each breathtaking step is cushioned
a soft centuries-old natural carpet
needle-drop of these regal conifers
rounding a bend in the lake trail
brushing through waist-high fern
I crest a gentle knoll — and stop
mesmerized
sunlight drifts down dreamlike
filtered by the woodland canopy
settling warm and soft around me
a short distance to my left
I again catch a crisp sparkle
of serene deep azure waters
I visually drink in the exquisite
filled with a peaceful calm
quietly
I muse
suddenly
I’m startled
a beautiful young doe
bounds onto the path
just in front of me
standing
proud
golden
in the glow
she considers me briefly
then disappears
quick — as a stolen glance
quiet — as passing time
gone — as a missed chance
time suspends
the world is in balance
life aligns for a perfect moment
here in my personal utopia
but utopia is in danger!
*
rob kistner © 2023
More poetry at: dVerse
What a beautiful place of nature to be, and to see that doe. A gift from nature.
It’s wonderful Grace… 🙂
“A soft centuries-old natural carpet,”
and many other great descriptions of the forest.
I particularly liked the last stanza.
Glad you were pleased Tzvi… 🙂
“Lost Lake’s ancient forest” seems the ‘Place’ to be. 🙂
I’m glad you threw the doe in, always even if it isn’t seen!!
..
Remarkable Jim… 🙂
Rob I definitely remember you writing about this sacred space, and I’ve thought about it even while trying to calm my mind at times. It’s a place just like that that I want my kids to plant me when it is my time. Back into the trees <3
It is a marvelous place, special on this earth Lisa. Hope you are able to be laid to rest in a beautiful place my friend… 🙂
Beautiful, Robb. I see you still can visualize it in your mind no matter what your body says! Well done!
Thank you Dwight… 🙂
Lovely imagery, Rob!
Thank you Paula… 🙂
You took me there with your wonderful imagination, Robb. Thanks for sharing and the visit ????
Thank you, and you’re welcome Jay… 🙂
You are most welcome Jay… 🙂
What a captivating scene you have painted, Rob, of a sacred and divine space.
Thank you Punam… 🙂
Nature is a wonderful place to be in… there is always something new to see, and every path is an adventure.
Keeps me sane Björn… 🙂
Be still my heart … I guessed you would write about the land we share. This is the perfect poetic description, Rob. Cheers.
Yes ma’am! I know what I love, and I love what I know — Oregon wilderness… 😉
A delightful read, ending in a timely warning! Thank you for writing of this magical place, Rob!
Thank you Ingrid… 🙂 …and again, may your new journey bring you much joy and reward… 😉
This is absolutely lovely, Rob! I especially admire; “each breathtaking step is cushioned a soft centuries-old natural carpet needle-drop of these regal conifers.” 🙂
Thank you Sanaa… 🙂 …footsteps on that needle-drop feel like walking on luxurious carpet — wonderful sensation my friend!