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!