I take the shady trail ahead of me
By the cold and deep bed of the river,
Looking up to the mountain
Where clouds wreath its crest
And eagles circle free
A land of beauty and still so pure,
Mine to behold,
And watch amazed
The sun’s timeless dance
Through lush, green branches
I let its light enfold me,
Hiking in the thickest woods of ancient trees
With nameless flowers and
Ferns with hazel leaves,
In awe I look ahead of me…
Nature is sacred, these trees are a temple
And the forest a cathedral
Granting me the wisdom of understanding
And learning the language of earth
Carried through time, the gift of life and truth
This is a place where I go to be myself,
To be alone and think things through,
It encompasses the essence
Of what I am and
What I want to be
I climb to find
All my emotions stored here,
My mind, body and spirit need
Wind and rain, moonlight and sunrises,
Mists and music of wind among trees
I gain wisdom and beauty
By resting on the grass, watch the clouds drift and
Listening to the water’s song,
I reach serenity and
Learn the truth about myself
Here, at the top of the world
I am never alone, for Mother Nature
Is holding my hand while we listen
To music of the earth, and I reach
A place where clouds and sky reflect my heart
I relax and know my path is before me,
The earth guiding my senses,
Water nourishes me and
Wind embraces me,
I am conquered
By Nature
photography by Russ Sawdon