A Brief Escape From the City

Feeling disarmed of perspective, mindless, I pay homage to this ancient forest. My senses soak up the misty shadows In the dark-green carpets of its clearings. Rough edges of leafy bough sway and cut The blank blue of its only, lonely sky. With outstretched arms, I stand in grateful awe At the wondrous wonders brimming around. I feel expansive, taking in nature's beauty, An artist's canvas, taut, accommodating On which no less than truth, stark and artful May then be indelibly etched and painted. I find short solace, feeling saved all over No matter how fleeting the blessed feeling. Nonetheless I sigh with deep gratitude Though the brief bliss whiffles away in the din Of subways, in the chaos of gnarled traffic, in the toxic smog of rat-race city. .