PATHS IN THE WOODS
Walk gently in the woods
Moss and leaves cover many pathways there
Paths of healing and of hunting
Flowered in seasons
From snowdrops to bearded violets
Jack in the Pulpit and Pink Ladyslipper
Trillium both red and white
Loose-strife and Boneset
Canada lilies hang like jeweled crowns
Tiger lilies sprout among the foliage like heralds' trumpets
Joined by daylilies in yellow, brown and orange
Spikes of lupine and larger ones of foxglove
Cohosh and varied mints
Wintergreen called Bearberry!.
Look, the footprints of a black bear
Headed to his shallow den to hibernate
Walk gently not to wake!
And there the prints and scat of the deer herd
paths where fox and wood chuck cross!.
Life surrounds in all its vital force
telling tales of struggle and success!.
Walk gently, for you are part of all that is,
Smallest orchids and highest trees!.
The paths whisper at your passing
Trees sing their songs to the wind!.
Sight and scent welcome your presence,
Bird song, locust, and peeping frogs
Delight with symphony
Katydid and cricket respond
A field of flowers takes flight
Flutter in scattered sunlight!.
Taste earth's goodness in berries sweet,
Black and red raspberry, gooseberry tart and sweet,
Blueberry, thimbleberry and small wild strawberry,
All adorn your path as well as puffballs, morels, and chanterelles
Walk gently as you gather and enjoy!.
? November 30, 2007 Albert K!. Jungers, All Rights reserved
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