15 Year Old Nature Poem: Exodus

EXODUS AT THE LAKE my exodus offers two paths that diverge This is my lake, not Thoreau’s Pond One path hugs the water to Cash Trail The other that tugs at my heart Will wander among old Maryland trees I heard their voices calling to me: Loblollies, oaks, pines, and hollies (As if they knew I would have limited time) Then I spy my favorite in decorated skirts Smooth-skinned American Beech Usually the one with more leaves through March The end of winter, if that, in this hemisphere Last stalwart leaves on guard, dry now, of course Hanging … like winter muffs on nude branches Almost transparent white and dry As girls decorated in holiday skirts I welcome their adornments hopefully Among these tall, stolid witnesses I think back when they were younger, my girls, They would follow, wonderingly but trustingly, Though like youth they wanted to be at the Mall; I had so many reasons, health besides … Trees witnessed my inward struggles, shame, love: Witnesses to all seasons, wise through the years Like wizards too, they quietly watch me, magically Comforting me or healing me, most understanding ©Deo, March 27, 2005 (Beltsville, Md. USA)