THIN AIR

There is nothing so cleansing

as a day among trees with a

creek nearby. It is there

you can smell each shade

of green, especially when

an early spring is birthing

new leaves, when the

Dogwoods and Redbuds

throw their shrapnel in

impressionist splashes.

There is something about

the quality of light when

a blazing sun cools itself

wading through a young

canopy and becomes

tangible, thick enough with its

own weight to hold detritus

afloat against the pull of

Mother Earth. Here is a

Poplar lording it over a

surprising crape myrtle who

got lost out here, but doesn’t

seem to mind. There is no path

in this wild place, so every step

presses a thousand years

into itself with a sigh.

A Grackle sings its loopy

whoop, and way over there

where I cannot see, news of my

coming stirs up a little murder.

But there are rare things, too,

the deer, an owl or snake that

makes me pause and wonder

what am I supposed to do?

And it makes me think if

God were to suddenly appear,

His feet cooling in the stream,

one arm arcing around,

His eyebrows up, He would say,

“Whatever you do, 

never wait for beauty

or a chance to dance.”

Reviews

[Poetic Beauty]

I seriously love the last four lines in this poem. Seems like the perfect place to have an encounter with God like that.

This whole poem is stunningly beautiful with the peaceful flow and vivid imagery. With the winter blues settling in my being the thought of spring lifts my spirits.

[Vol]

PB,
You are such a lovely reviewer... and friend.

[W. Barrett Munn]

Vol,

One of your very best. The voice is natural and presents as someone sitting with a best buddy and talking about the day.

[Vol]

WBM,
Thank you, you have described my favorite of all activities... but with a good IPA or sips of bourbon..
Out here in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by cowboys and rednecks, it is a rare thing indeed.
Vol

[bettayetta]

Vol, everytime I sign off, I see another Beauty of yours in my email! I love the aspects of nature here. Honestly, I think I have smelled green in the winter in the evergreens, cedar and pines! I believe God gives us those so we won't get so depressed waiting for the sights and sounds and smells of Spring! I loved this piece!

[Vol]

bettayetta,
Hello. Just hello. It is nice to meet a free spirit, and with those I think comes that airy connection with the forest... happens in your belly, but feels like flying.
Thank you for your kind acceptance of the way I write. ( I hope this makes sense, I tried a little Delta 8, and, um I'm high)
Vol

[bettayetta]

Delta 8? hmmm....you clever bad boy.

[Vol]

Quite delicious, and works... It is my evening retreat. Also, it is as close as Texas will ever come to legalizing weed.