Delphic

The forest is my loyal friend A Delphic shrine to me.-- Ralph Waldo Emerson The tow’ring trees with their branches widespread Sift light which falls like a golden shower (As when Zeus to Danaë’s chamber came) Reaching the moist earth joyful to receive The warmth that causes all flora to breathe-- From the stoutest bough to the smallest leaf. This place is where once Artemis had played, That shielded her form from unworthy eyes; And Narcissus--that handsomest of men-- Unfortunately met his tragic end. The forest tells stories to willing ears; I find it to be a most loyal friend. So I come to this most sacred of ground Where voices from the past can still be heard From the crisp rustling of the fallen leaves To soft breeze blowing through the foliage, Or from water dripping from moss to moss, To echoes like sighs from a bygone age. I come to this place to communicate My joy, my sorrow, my triumph, my pain; And always the forest listens to me, And judges not my many flaws and faults: A small part of me the forest contains, While a big part of it in me remains. May 5, 2024 Among 2nd Place Delphic, Delusion, Disaster, Dauntless Poetry Contest Sponsored by: Sotto Poet