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Open Poetry #36
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The Forest Path
| Open Poetry #36 |
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The Forest Path |
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OwlSA Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347Durban, South Africa 
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The Forest Path 1 January 2001 Wander with me along this path, that winds deep into the forest sanctuary. See the tiny red-petalled gem called Anathacæma laxa as if to protect its fragility. Please do not pick it for it has done us no harm. Listen… round the corner is a Natal robin teasing us with his song. Smell the clean, sweet, newly-washed forest air. Look… there is a blue duiker. Do not let us frighten it away with loud chatter. See with what grace that magnificent black mamba moves into the whispering of dry leaves to escape from us. Stop a moment to see the burnished copper tones of that bracket fungus above your head. And look, there is a Vervet monkey watching us quizzically. And there he leaps and another, and another. The whole troop is here, flying from branch to branch, putting trapeze artists to shame. And all the while fresh-forest air scented with ethereal flowers fills our lungs with peace. Tread with care lest you harm a little creature needlessly. Let us sit here a while at this gurgling stream. Look there is a Cape wagtail and there’s its mate and there’s a tiny, tiny frog. Notice - so many don’t - the velvet moss and curly lichen. They have taken so long to grow. I’m glad you won’t destroy it - absent-mindedly or with intent. Look at those brave spines protecting that Hluhluwe creeper and look how it snakes its way almost to form an arch. And if you follow that single-minded trunk, you will find the rounded head of that cabbage tree, where it has pierced the canopy of leaves to reach the sunlight. Take off your heavy shoes and strangling socks and dip your feet into the singing waters so icy cold in this cool summer haven. Why can’t we stay here forever hidden in the snail hours? - Owl |
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| © Copyright 2005 Diana van den Berg - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Enchantress Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113Canada eh. |
How wonderful this is! You fill the reader's mind with images, sounds and scents so beautifully. What an amazing talent you possess. Hugs~Nancy ~Let peace begin with me... |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
"Why can’t we stay here forever hidden in the snail hours?" There is magick in you.  Thank you for sharing it. |
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OwlSA Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347Durban, South Africa |
Thank you both so much, Enchantress and Serenity Blaze. I am so happy that you enjoyed our walk. - Owl |
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littlewing Member Rara Avis
since 2003-03-02
Posts 9655New York |
I do believe you are possessed by Whitman! I adore this . . . Please do not pick it for it has done us no harm. |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Owl...Thank you for taking me on this lovely walk. I would love to do it for real, but you made the images so that I almost did.  |
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iliana Member Patricius
since 2003-12-05
Posts 13434USA |
What a wonderful walk through the forest this is! I could just envision it; it is quite alive! |
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Startime55 Member Elite
since 2003-04-05
Posts 2148Alberta, Canada |
Your words paint visions that fill the heart with joy....Magnificent writing.... |
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