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Call of the Wild

I envy those living as part of the wild For I too, once heeded its call A smoldering ember since I was a child Urge, and belonging all part of the thrall. I’ve enjoyed the fresh taste of a sparkling stream Felt the tremble as you push through your fear Stood high on a peak admiring Gods scheme Felt both delight and remorse for taking a deer. I’ve walked for weeks through valleys and trees Traversed mountains with lush native grass Felt the warmth and the cold of high country breeze Navigated tussock, forests and high country pass. I’ve smelt autumn rain as it mingles with dirt Enjoyed the isolation of me and my views Valued crude shelter while nature unleashes its hurt Watched forest birds doing their best to amuse But I’m now destined to be one of societies slaves In a world where worth is measured by cash Where worry and stress are delivered in waves Where those without are regarded as trash. I felt most alive in the middle of nowhere Now dead when hemmed by city and streets Nothing compares with fresh mountain air Living free, no money, bills, or receipts.

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Date: 7/30/2016 6:25:00 PM

Very touching! Can i use this in my story that i'm working on on this app called 'Episode'? I'll give you credit and the link to this poem, and if you don't want me to use this poem, i won't, but i really like your work and it really got to me!

Mark Woods
Date: 8/14/2016 1:46:00 PM

Just following up. A link to what you are doing and your name would be nice. : )

Mark Woods
Date: 7/30/2016 7:54:00 PM

Send me a soup mail, I'd be quite happy for you to use it and I'm interested to see what you are doing.

Robert Lindley

Date: 11/12/2015 8:59:00 AM

Added this gem to my fav list. A7 I lived close to that as a kid. So far removed from it now. And I have to venture forth into deep woods to find it now, even for a brief spell!

Mark Woods
Date: 11/12/2015 10:41:00 AM

It's a damned good feeling isn't it? Love it to bits. Cheers Robert

Skat A

Date: 10/27/2015 10:00:00 PM

Mark, Wonderful win. SKAT

Mark Woods
Date: 10/28/2015 2:54:00 AM

Cheers Skat, it's easier when you are writing from your heart

CayCay Jennings

Date: 10/26/2015 9:53:00 PM

Well deserved - Congratulations! CayCay

Mark Woods
Date: 10/28/2015 2:53:00 AM

Thank you ma'am. : )

Lindsay Laurie

Date: 10/26/2015 6:05:00 PM

We're like peas in a pod Mark. Like you, I have those special places that drain away all the stress of modern life. Your poetry is very good - thanks mate - Lindsay

Mark Woods
Date: 10/28/2015 2:52:00 AM

Lindsay for those have experienced the freedom of the great outdoors it's part of our being for ever.

Casarah Nance

Date: 10/26/2015 2:16:00 PM

Wow, your write has impressed me, thank you for entering and grats on your placement :)

Mark Woods
Date: 10/27/2015 4:09:00 AM

Cheers Casarah, thank you for my placement and also for hosting a fabulous contest.

CayCay Jennings

Date: 10/20/2015 4:36:00 PM

How did I miss this WOW? There is no line here that doesn't resonate with me. Its as though you glimpsed inside my own emotions. I am extremely touched by this truly poetical and beautiful feeling poem. I have felt and feel all these thoughts. Only outside do I feel most alive as God intended, only in society do I feel insignificant. You did great, Mark - a favorite and I will remember to '7' it before I close ... CayCay

Mark Woods
Date: 10/22/2015 4:24:00 AM

You have an uncanny ability to make me grin, and as always you are far to kind to a grumpy bugger like me. Thank you so much my friend.

Paul Callus

Date: 10/18/2015 1:53:00 PM

I envy you Mark, for the wonderful life which you lived. I grew up in the country, surrounded by fields and farms, but not the streams, hills and valleys that you describe with love and yearning. My sister and her husband went to New Zealand a few years back, after visiting Australia, and they said how lovely it was. // paul

Mark Woods
Date: 10/19/2015 2:18:00 PM

Paul, growing up with fields and farms sounds divine as well! Because in that environment there is still a lot available to see nature in all it's glory. Yep NZ is a pretty neat place. Cheers for popping in.

Michael Tor

Date: 10/17/2015 9:11:00 PM

So true and wonderfully written with insights crafted by experiences felt. This is one of my favorites Mark. What a write I can relate too. Clever theme. Congratulations my friend.

Mark Woods
Date: 10/17/2015 11:13:00 PM

I've been somewhat lucky in some of the opportunities presented to me in life. I love the mountains, native beech forests, tussocky slopes and shingle screes. One day I will go bush again, but at the moment responsibilities hold me back.