The Woods--my comfort, my sanctuary

It is home.

I am embraced--

Wrapped in the tendrils of energy coming off the trees

In welcoming waves

My senses are overcome

I hear

songs of comfort—whispered in my ears

From the tweets and calls of birds and

The low rasps of frogs

The high-pitched chirps of crickets

The chittering of squirrels

Branches snapping

And the skittering of small feet on the ground

amidst the dried leaves

I feel

The crunch under my feet

Gravel mixed with dirt

The soft squish of mud

The velvety texture of moss on the trees

The rough bark that chafes

The burn of my hamstrings as I climb uphill

the cooler, shadowy areas and the hot, sunny exposed places

I smell

A fragrance of the moist earth mingled

With green

And sunshine

And honeysuckle

I see

The movement of the sun and clouds

The ever-changing way that light reflects through the foliage

The swoop, twist, dive and arch of the trees

The magical flutter and dance of the butterflies

As they pirouette in rhythm with the rustling leaves

The blue of the sky;

The piercing whiteness of the clouds, turning peach and pink in a display of

Magnificence

Unrivaled by any artist

I am in awe

Surrounded by the signs of spring

Fragrant flowers showing off vibrant colors

Seeds and pollen scattered upon the path

Creeks trickling with water

This splendor captivates me

And yet releases me

I feel completely serene

Everything is free to be exactly what it was created to be

There is no loneliness here

I feel protected; cloaked

Loved unconditionally

Able to move at my own pace

Here, I am:

Courageous.

Strong.

Unstoppable.

I can be…vulnerable

I can…cry uncontrollably

I can…beat my chest

Or, shout in anguish

I can…be still

and quiet

There is no ill intent

No malevolence

Young joins old

The spent lay by the newly sprouted

Trees merge together

They lean on each other

The dead feeds the living

Broken down by scavengers and fungi

A perfect balance

Its craftsmanship

--Flawless

It’s signature

--Doubtless

Here…

I can face Him

Unashamed

Awestruck

Silenced by His majesty

Enraptured by His wondrous works

Calmed by His presence

Healed

By the Living God.