Secret of the Trees

Life's golden ambrosia sparkles on high,
whose faint breath is sweet and whose hands are fair.
She has perfumed gifts that are not for sky;
yet, come tumbling down through the crisp air.

Morning is lighted earthward with a glance,
unnumbered rubies which burn like a fire.
The ocean spreads over the world's expanse
to cool the burning brow of her desire.

I see her rise with a morning shiver,
to leave just like a thousand days before,
walking alongside the tranquil river,
disappearing behind the timber door.

Thus, each new-sprung morning, she wings her flight.
No one knows what she does during those hours.
She seems to welcome the quaint morning light
that drapes a curtain among the bowers.

Does she go there for some hidden treasure
as a turban of mist hides it from sight?
Is there some secret or festive pleasure
which makes her warm countenance seem more bright?

It has been said, I know not if it's true,
she has many lovers, with plenty blessed;
and as roses mingle with morning dew,
it is said she stands naked, quite undressed.

Some claim to have seen her, beneath them lay,
as though a red flower beneath a tree;
and like a wood nymph exchanged for a day,
she remains there awash with joy and glee.

She returns home when sunset flames are fired,
singing some sweet notes of a mournful dirge.
With her hair disheveled, looking quite tired,
she falls sleeping upon the feathered verge.

Reviews

[David Lewis Paget]

Linda Marie, you inhabit a fantastic land of nymphs, sylphs, myth and fantasy. How you manage to get your head back down amongst those of us tethered to the earth and the real world is a matter to marvel at. Thank god, however, for people like you, who refuse to be tethered, and allow the rest of us to live vicariously at the edges of your universe.

[Nautili]

this is fantastic....I can see this wood nymph, this spirit of the tree, so vividly.To leave just like a thousand days before-disappearing behind the timber door- great play on words-and the most perfect picture to coincide.Loved it!