Green Eyed Canopy

written for a poet friend who posted at another poetry web page. She died suddenly, and way too young..

GREEN EYED CANOPY

"Imagine,

I know I’m not the only one…"

--John Lennon

　

Now that I know its there

I see the opening

Hidden behind water fall mists;

Hidden in shadows that change shape

Depending on the way reflections

Bend the water.

So that even looking straight at it,

Staring intently

All you see really is

Shadows and mist.

On occasion though,

The water sheets as it falls

And you are left with

A mirror-like vision;

A mirage of desert sand

Amid all the wetness.

Now this is a neat trick

If you think about it

And yet the other day

Standing to one side of this opening,

I could have sworn

I saw two eyes staring back at me.

Richly dark green eyes,

Eyes so green, they penetrate and

Sear your heart

With the warmth of mystery.

The kind of eyes that pull you into them

That fascinate

The way looking into the vortex

Of life consumes the butterfly;

Or the way the moth is drawn

To the flame and its smiling death.

I am drawn into these dark, dark eyes

Behind the mist and sighs

Of the opening’s unknown.

Reaching for my medicine bag

For the red star pin and

Black stone of obsidian

I walk into this dream of

Waterfall mists and rainbow hues

Searching for the mystery

Of dark green eyes.

Searching for the danger/truth that is you

That is found in the world behind the waterfall

Found in your name….

~~~~

Stepping thru the opening

I move quietly to the light

A few yards ahead.

Coming out, I am

Standing on a ledge

Overlooking a canopy of green

Splashed occasionally with yellows

While, here and there reds an oranges

Are seen dancing

Furtively with the waterfall’s breeze.

As I look out over this rain forest view

I can feel your eyes

Watching

Waiting,

Almost testing me to see if

I bring harm in any way.

Respecting this watchful calm,

I simply breathe deep this mystery;

This misty waterfall tapestry.

I am not sure how long I stayed

Listening to the waters song,

Cocooned gently by this vastness of green

And the sweet dream of life.

But it was some time before I

Noticed the small foot prints

Leading away down a sloping path

To my left.

They clearly seem to say

Come, follow my view.

Let me show you

What the Earth could be like.

Come, let the natural flow

Of air, wind, water and fire

Wash thru your dreams.

Let me show you how

The Earth loves to play.

~~~~

I think today

I will just enjoy a mystery

Unsolved, but found.

And backing out slowly,

Stand once again in the

Waterfall’s pool.

Today I will allow myself to

Ease into your cool,

Deeply green eyes

And the waters whispers

Of your name.

~~~~

Now that I know

The opening is there;

I "Imagine……"

Knowing I am not the only one

 

IroquoisWinter 5/14/02 (a pen name I used at another poetry site)

Author's Note

The woman this poem was written for died suddenly of a brain aneurism as a result of beatings she received as a child.. she was one of the most caring people I have met and her poetry inspired many. She and I and a few others were beginning to create a poetry forum at this poetry web site to help new writers (especially those who had also faced such abuse) write and feel welcomed... it was just getting started when she died... her name was Sorcha and thereare many who miss her and think about her life and contributions and her deep caring... When the demons of her past would unsettle her she had a "safe place" in the Australian rain forest near her home and I hope I have captured this place in my poem.. Her favorite song was John Lennon's "Imagine" captcha: wiselike (actually appropriate for she was)
Thank you for reading..

Reviews

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Redzone... Sorcha surely was a
beautiful person. I
can imagine her in the
Australian rain forest. I can
Imagine how lovely the mist
of the waterfall must be and the
Dark dark green eyes. truly... Pat

[Thomas Fitzgerald]

a touching sentiment and tear inducing, well done, good read.

[Sami Khalil]

A compassionate heart wrote this poem and not an argumentative one or demeaning one. I don't know this poet persay but May she rest in peace and may her light of truth keep shinning. Thank you for sharing this sad story. A great tribute...:)..........

[redzone]

Sami, you would have liked her very much. She overcame so much pain in her life, but was not bitter. She was open, talkative and would sign her comments with "be safe". Thanks for sharing your thoughts Sami...

[Sami Khalil]

Wow. Sorry for the loss. You are welcome...:).................

[Lydia Shutter]

I remember Sorcha from Starlite cafe. I was only there a short time when she passed away. It was a horrid tragedy. She was a wise woman and made everyone feel welcome. Only the good die young, Curt....I believe that. The imagery in your poem is exceptional. She would have been happy to dance through the waterfall and see the flowers. Your tribute to her is filled with hope for the world and for all humanity. BEautifully written. Lydi**