Oh you forest

you womb, dark and primeval

vessel of life

beetles, ants, worms crawl

with your fertile wildness.

You standing people,

squirrels and sparrows

tickle your arms

and your oxygen laugh

wakens mother Earth.

Your brown heart beats eternity,

snakes, rabbits, and deer

are moments of your joy.

You are a deep drum

you are sonorous with crickets and crows

and echoes of poets' voices.

You dark mystery!

Transformer of Light!

How small I am

in the presence of your Majesty.

You shaman

teach us

deliver us

into your cosmic Oneness.

You invite me

to empty my meaning

onto your leafy floor

and let my soul may take root.

11/10/2003