Milt's Sanctuary
Worshipping in Nature's Sanctuary
by L. Milton Hankins
Johnny-Jump-Ups nestle into the forest floor mosses,
Along with dainty Jack-in-the-Pulpits hiding beneath
The larger fronds of swampy ferns soaking up moisture
From the dew-laden flowering branches of laurel
Where I find myself dreaming in the verdant woodland,
Edging the meadow beyond the cluttered beaver stand.
A canopy of vine-entangled branches, a vault-like nave,
Provides a sanctuary of sacred candles dimmed for mass
A pew-less haven for wounded souls, and tiny chipmunks,
Who scurry to find isolated spots for quiet meditation
While grebes and gallinules make up the choir ensemble;
A purple swamphen takes up the guttural baritone line.
The late morning is mine, sitting along the narrow trail
In a cross-legged yoga pose with arms across my knees,
Soaking up the faint sweet smells of sassafras and pine
And slipping into what I sometimes call my “blue funk”
Where nothing on earth matters outside this quiet shelter,
Dozing softly, I dream of a utopian sweet, elusive peace.
Submitted to the In Honor Of Milt - An Un-Contest Poetry Contest
sponsored by Andrea Dietrich
Of the many poems composed by Milt, this one remains one of my favorites. Milt was a spiritual man, and this side of him often came out in his poems. Here he impresses upon the reader the haven of peace that nature can provide, in this case likened to a church sanctuary. He carefully weaves the imagery of one into the other with his word choices: nave, sanctuary, sacred candles, pew-less haven, meditation, and the choir references. His influence upon my writing is to seek images and metaphors from nature to help describe spiritual concepts in language that is readily accessible. I am grateful for Milt's life, poetry, and encouragement, and he will long be remembered.
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