Contemplation

One day when you find yourself in hills

of tall trees and whispered secrets,

Believe in the glories of nature

and you can sit and watch trees bloom--

tiny green buds a hill or two away.

 

When you've seen enough of the sky,

regard the tiny ant in his race against time

running everywhere and nowhere.

There are lessons to be learned there.

               

Listen to the sounds carried on the wind

rhythms and melodies unrivalled in

a too noisy world.

 

And when you've tired of sitting,

walk along through the trees and the brush

and discover the leafy-forgotten

flowers and ferns in the undergrowth

each perfect and lovely in its own reticent way.

 

And when you've done with walking and dreaming,

fly away home on wings of rapture,

the wonders of the hills will be there waiting for you

when you find your soul again in need of refreshment.

 

Next time that I go to surround myself 

with grass and rocks and trees

I'll remember to take you with me.

 

Author's Note

it seems strange to come back to something that I wrote so long ago, but I've made some changes and I'm happier with the way it flows

Reviews

[W.k.kortas]

Well, if it's not your best, you can rest easy knowing your best must be pretty damn good. Has the feel of classic pastoral writing, with that languid pacing, but it's somewhat sermon-esque or valedictionary (if that's a word) as well. Despite your protests to the contrary, it's a very nice piece of writing.

[Tracie Skarbo]

I love this walking meditation. Nature is such a wise teacher, willing to show the way of things to anyone who will slow enough to watch and listen. I often watch and listen and never does she fail me. Wonderful Emily...

[An owl on the moon]

I loved everything about this! The title caught me first (as I tend to contemplate too much!), the image was vibrant, and the words flowed like clear water over smooth rocks... Beautiful!

[Bennett Logan]

This actually feels like a true invitation to nature. I feel as though I need to go outside and sit beneath a tree just to think about the tree for a while. Otherwise, I totally agree with W.k.kortas on this one. Good poem indeed!

[Jibey]

Lovely words that describe well the soothing healing of trees and blue sky.... a place to share and revive, to touch and comfort, to kiss and know...

[Anthony M Smith Jr]

I see that where I am. Very powerful words and the feelings flowed into balance with many translations. I will remember these words as I trek through the forest next to the "Mighty Mississippi River". The Eagles are gathering in force near my place of reverence. I take pictures now they are use to my presence.
TT-TTO-NI-K
Elk

[Lilith des Cavernes]

Please do! :-) Fabulous verbal voyage you took me on! Love to you

[Jonhoi Vaughn]

This is lovely :-) I'm not so familiar with the site after all this time. I dunno how to add this to my favourites. Think I'll ask Jason.

[Collect-Eye]

I can relate to this...But I think I've spent too much time contemplating and my mind's too blank..
& I'm notoriously lacking in being able to put nature into words. You do it well though. In regards to this talent I'm a little jealous, but I've used this feeling to soften my words and they've been given life at pivotal times when needed.
I will print this out and remember to read it before after and/or during my nature walks. [=
I think that's sort of what you meant by the ending...

[Creepy Swine Guy]

I know that place ... that trail through the woods. It saddens me that there are people in this world who will go through life without ever walking through the woods. They will never hear those sounds or see those sights or feel those breezes that you so eloquently depict.

[Jason Henry]

holy crap! i reviewed this already?! well, here's another one!

i love this piece...although i cannot remember reading it. but i remember writing that review below...didnt know i used words like "cute" anyhow, i think i appreciate this even more after my own encounter with nature 2 weeks ago...this captured how i felt almost exactly...flow was exquisite. there's a certain majestical element that you've captured quite well.

thanks again for painting this in my mind!