As a child I was free to wander the woods, pastures, and the mountain top that my family owns. In memories now return to the mountain. I find escape in those mental images that I still hold so dear.

In My Mind's Eye 

I see summer's golden light descend
Sweet purest touch-- makes dark shadows bend

Amidst the trees and filtering leaves I see
Such lovely sights, sets my heart free

Climbing high in crunchy leaves and moist ground litter

Led by chattering squirrels and birds a' twitter

See! Jack-in-the-pulpit and False Solomon's Seal
Old Sliver Chestnut, though long dead, to time it won't kneel

Colors playing on stream's small glassy pond

Through each green leaf and frilly frond

Trees ornate with fungal fairy ledges
Damp spots thick with clumps of wild sedges

Long days spent in exploring with delight
Changing daylight angles predict the coming of night

And as evening light softens like downy feather
Lying down on the bounty of sweet summer weather

Shadows drawing peace out of my moody heart

Playing tunes of joy there, the Creator's part

What a loving gesture-- just for my joy 

He has designed such delights as an alluring ploy

Now cooling earth creates the foggy mist

Drinking drops from above - the ground is kissed

As shadows deepen, I will explore more later

My mind's green woodland home, nothing I cherish greater