Forest Blessing

In a forest free from sign of human trait

By a fallen trunk I sat to meditate,

Above me the protecting arms of trees

Covered the skies in emerald canopies.

I felt a stillness deep around me close.

Before me fern-laced mossy carpets rose

To pillow my head in cool and soft caress

Like a silent prayer in pristine wilderness.

With heavy lids in dreamless peace I slept.

And in my sleep subtle visions leapt.

My waking eyes a covey of quail did meet,

Who unconcerned had gathered round my feet.

Serene my soul in this vast woodland home

Forever to recall in lives to come,

Virginal in massive silence lay

The dream of God that drew me here this day.

Then in a mystic scene of Nature's dawn

On weak unsteady legs a spotted fawn

New-born with glistening jet-black limpid eyes,

Unheeding her mother's soft and plaintive cries

That broke the stillness of the morning air

Alerting conscious life that wandered there,

Looked with new-found wonder into mine.

I marvelled at this simple gift divine.

No more the ancient strife of man and beast,

Earth seemed at rest, her ancient turmoil ceased,

Between us an eternity of love

Was felt in the magic of this sacred grove.