Ancient Peace

Pea soup fog hung over the Napa Valley hills,
kissing April grape vines, row upon steep row,
with the lightest touch of dampness, soon
to dry in the hot California sun.

I'd just walked my Daughter down a rose
petal strewn lane beneath a laurel lined
arbor, giving her hand to a good Man, 
waiting between two towering Coconut
Palms.

Duties accomplished, Grandma (my mom)
and I were on our way to visit an obscure
ancient coastal redwoods reserve, the
first so designated.

A brief stop at San Raphael Mission
fortified us spiritually to walk amidst
2400 year old pines.

The shaded old growth paths smelled
familiar, the scent similar to my favorite
trails in Superior National Forest, the difference
being these groves were much older.

We are drawn to nature's peace, and placing
my hand on the marble like tree trunks, I
absorbed a silent sense of everlasting peace
these ancient friends of mine were willing
to share.

Mindful of the passing of time, words weren't
needed to understand the obligations I 
fulfilled, blessings I transferred to my
Daughter, handed down from my parents,

Shared
with
the
universe


5/05/17
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

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Maverick Avatar
August 16, 2022 at 7:47 AM
Great sense of peace in this James, It's a shame the cheerleades for creation At the extreme end of the scale, want to Destroy humans, who are quite willing to Live in harmony, there is just so much hype But all in all great to travel this scene.'
Goff Avatar
August 16, 2022 at 8:39 AM
Thanks for stopping by Joe!
Kalita Avatar
August 14, 2022 at 9:42 PM
A blessed gem of moments and golden memories leaving the evergreen impact from the past to the present genre with embellished figures of speech, calmly spontaneous.. bliss to read... Silpika
Goff Avatar
August 14, 2022 at 10:22 PM
Sweet comment Silpika, many thanks
Anish Avatar
August 11, 2017 at 8:27 PM
Very spiritual and pretty poem. I recently had a poem in the New York Times of 8/72017. I went to California years ago and would like to go back. Thank you for your kind comment!! Peace & Blessings Matthew Anish
Goff Avatar
August 11, 2017 at 8:28 PM
Congrats are in order, Matthew! Well done!
Makama Avatar
July 4, 2017 at 8:39 AM
Oh my goodness! This is why I always miss your work when I stay away from this site for a while. Your choice of words and perfect blend of a cute message is beyond description. This is definitely good.. This looks like a historic story intertwined in some lineage... Grandmum-dad-daughter. Nice piece and a 7
Goff Avatar
July 4, 2017 at 10:11 AM
Nice to see you, Funom! your friendship, kindness & remarkable poetry skills give me pause to smile when you honor me with a visit!
Thirtyseven Avatar
June 29, 2017 at 8:42 AM
Beautiful words mate. I like your sense of continuity, really gives this poem soul.
Goff Avatar
June 29, 2017 at 2:29 PM
Thanks so much, Scott! documenting my history is a major aspect of my poetry
Roper Avatar
May 6, 2017 at 6:28 PM
James, enjoyed reading your write. Congratulations on your daughter's wedding proud dad. There is something so tranquil when you are in the surroundings of mother earth. ~*
Goff Avatar
May 7, 2017 at 12:04 PM
Thank you so much Eve! yes! I connect spiritually with nature's gifts of life as I wander during My brief visit on this planet..I'm happy to share here with you on the soup!
Deo Avatar
May 6, 2017 at 12:06 PM
O how I thank God, for you Man of God, and devoted Father, with secular, liberal-inflicted challenges of culture. San Rafael Mission - O my heart leaps! A string of wonderful Missions by Span from Mexico to this once "Mexican Province," with good history, besides. Your Daughter & SIL (Son) are blessed by God & His SON, Jesus. Hi to Ma -amen & Hallelujah! No more belly-butterflies, but Lisa Ricci has some4u
Goff Avatar
May 6, 2017 at 6:05 PM
Brother Anil, praise to Jesus, prayers and peace be upon Him...thank you for your loving words! Psalm 91!
Smith Avatar
May 6, 2017 at 11:15 AM
A beautiful walk with nature you took us on Jimbo. Now I want to take that trip to Napa.
Goff Avatar
May 6, 2017 at 6:02 PM
Thanks Tim! Best wishes to your sweet family!
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