This is a poetic capture of one of my favorite real-time magical experiences, while hiking over the years, around the magnificently beautiful clear mountain glacial lakes, situated in the high mountain Oregon forests, on the western slope of Mt Hood, in the high Cascade Mountains. Truly paradise! I would give everything to be able to make that trek again just once more. But it’s wilderness, and my failed health prevents it from ever happening again. So, when I am blue, I go there still in wonderful memories. To practice Shinrin Yoku again, in the forest of my mind.
Original digital surreal art: “Serene” by: rob kistner © 9/6/23
My footfalls
drum the root chambers
of the old growth
each step
cushioned by centuries of needle-drop
in this ancient forest
enjoying the rise and fall
twist and turn of the trail
I amble dreamlike
my walking stick is smooth
clutched comfortably
in my right hand
tensions dissipate
soothed
by the audible stir of the wind
in the treetops
wafting down the western Cascade slopes
it invigorates
the steady rhythm of my footsteps
hypnotize
rounding a bend in the trail
brushing through waist-high fern
I crest a knoll
and stop
mesmerized
filtered by the towering woodland canopy
light drifts down dreamlike
settles golden
into the natural cathedral before me
a presence is tangible
as I pause cross-legged
here
on the smooth river rock
a breeze enfolds me
filled with the intoxicating scent
of living eartho
Original digital art: “Shinrin Yoku — Forest Bathing”
by: rob kistner © 9/6/23
an addictive bouquet
of cascade red cedar
douglas fir
ponderosa pine
moss
bark
loam
and ionized mountain air
my spirit rises
my being grows weightless
any sense of self floats away
lifted into oneness
wholeness
the bliss
Shinrin Yoku
suddenly
I’m startled from my reverie
to my feet
a young doe
bounds onto the trail ahead
stands proud
pauses in the golden light
Original digital surreal art: “Whitetail Wanderer”
by: rob kistner © 9/6/23
.
she considers me briefly
then disappears
quick as a stolen glance
quiet as passing time
darting my eyes
here then there
in a vain attempt to follow her
I catch a glimpse of silver-blue
reflecting resplendent
where massive tree trunks part
this is the reason for my trek
into this mighty wilderness
I step through the opening
and climb a huge boulder
I sit
pull my legs under me
and lean forward
arms folded
elbows on knees
basking in the energy
just below me
an enchanting tangle of driftwood
floats sculpture-like
unmoving
across the magical mirrored lake
rising spectacular
a chiseled mountain peak
coppered
in the evening sun
I grow very still
listen
gaze
rapt
I become this moment
in touch with my soul
with the eternal
transcendent
alone
in this pristine
old growth paradise
Original digital surreal art: “Mighty Ancient”
by: rob kistner © 9/6/23
*
rob kistner © 8/23/23
Poetry at: dVerse
https://youtu.be/02CXKnftM-4?si=EQS5YHo0qg3H_NuT
https://youtu.be/XkKWWvUQroo?si=zFWw9rDI-kGsv6Pl
Oh Rob….am so GLAD you decided to write and post this today. You’ve taken me on a gorgeous walk with you….remembering where you were, the sights, the sounds, the feelings. These words
“a breeze enfolds me
filled with the intoxicating scent
of living earth”
ring so very true for me. This is the wonder of nature when we can get somewhere, away from the hustle and bustle of humanity and its buildings and structures. To just bask in the real earth and all her wonder.
AND your digital artwork is incredible. You are indeed a talented artist in so many many ways!
Thank you my friend… 🙂 …it has been so discouraging to have lost the physical ability to create with my hands Lil. I created my last Serenity Totem late last year. But it has been great to discover these newly available digital extrapolation tools. My visual artist’s creative mind is still vital to me, and being able to learn how to utilize these new tools, to raise the level of execution of my digital art, which I began in the late 1990’s, has been a true blessing. The fact I am still able to reach into my visual imagination, and express what I envision, is so deeply satisfying. Albeit, the physical mixed-medium expression is now out of my reach, I am still able to express myself virtually. I greatly appreciate your kind words regarding this newer work I am doing. 🙂
A beautiful and empowering walk, Rob.
Thank you Kim… 🙂
This sounds like one of those walks most of us merely can dream of, but you have those perfect memories that make it so vividly clear.
That’s because I hiked Mt. Hood and Mt. Jefferson many times, through forests and around Cascade Mountain lakes — from 1990 through 2012. On more than one occasion I encountered deer, usually a doe. This particular hike I am recalling, was around Lost Lake, and occurred following my 2nd heart attack in 2011. It was one of my last extended wilderness hikes.
It’s a testament that you have such strong images for this walk. Beautiful!
Thank you D… 🙂
What beautiful descriptions. I love how you mindfully capture these moments in time and connect us with the peaceful, calming effects of nature.
Thank you Melissa. Memories of these hikes linger like sunlight for my spirit, warming me through these years, as time continues threatening to chill the essence of where I’ve been, what I’ve done, whom I’ve known and loved — fundamentally, who I am. This particular experience remains a standout memory for me, as it was so wholly engaging, and one of the final times I was blessed to encounter true wildlife, face to face, in a natural environment.
I just loved this walk, thank you for taking me there. I could feel how much you love this place through your words…it is truly beautiful. Thank you 🙂
Thank you Di, I appreciate your very kind words my friend.
This is so beautiful Rob. <3
Thank you Kate… 🙂
What a feast, enough for a lifetime of reflections on such a vast expanse of rich beauty. The driftwood captures my heart aboe all, i usually see it as a gift.
Thank you Paul pleased you enjoyed this… 🙂