A CONVERSATION WITH THE WOODS

Three-Mile River running through Gertrude M. Boyden Wildlife Sanctuary, Taunton, MA.

I leave you my footsteps
quietly resting on the pine needles
carpeting your floor
Conceal them  in the cracks of the earth
from where your trees and flowers grow
for me to retrieve upon my return

I leave you my shadows
hiding behind the trees 
among the leaves unfurling, greening
in the ever warming sun
Allow them to rise with the mist
greeting each morning as it comes

I leave you my breath
run ragged by worldly cares
Have it
Cleanse it 
that it may be a pure and worthy
life essence.

Just let me take with me
your  birdsongs and the river's hum
to sweeten my everyday grind
Send me off with the fragrance 
of the lilies growing under the trees
or of the honeysuckle along your edges.
Tuck in my pockets 
the sunbeams filtering through the leaves
so I may have something to light up the grey days.
Then wrap me in your timeless embrace
make me feel as if I never left.