James Marshall Goff Poet Lyric

Pine Blossom Pavement

PINE BLOSSOM PAVEMENT

 I never left the soft sunshine,

 reflected across the satin smooth pond, deep in the forest,
 with flowered edges of pink ladyslippers, wild roses and daisies,

 to slope old deer trails...... foraging mushrooms, wild garlic and sage,

 I'm still in awe as I pass by city trees, reminded of old growth
       red and white pine, towering over my humble path,
 whispering wisdom.... as their crowns gently sway in the wind.

 I pour myself a glass of tap water.... but am refreshed again,
       as I drink from the secret spring I discovered
 bursting forth, the true 'Source of the Mississippi' a stone's
      throw from Lake Itasca.... on Elk Lake

 sirens wail, but sleep still comforts me.... with haunted loon lullabies,
      and melancholy frog symphonies,

 I still eat fast food, but am nourished by line-caught fish
      rising to my bait... as fog lifts with the sunrise,

 I barrel down the freeway.... while still paddling silently
     into sunsets filled with looming shadows of the voyageurs,

all around the city sounds.... yet I hear cheerful warblers and
      the midnight bark of the doe, calling her fawns,

gasses from sewer vents confront me.... but I smile!

      as the skunk marks his range,

I'm back in the city,
..... but think in the forest

   back in the city....

                             but think in the forest

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Lena Pate May 1, 2009 at 4:53 PM Very picturesque. I live in the city but my heart and dreams are in the country or out fishing on a boat. You took me back to some wonderful memories. Nothing like palming cold water from a natural spring. You are very talented.

Laurie Ginn April 27, 2009 at 6:18 AM I read this before but had to visit again, this time Im stealing it for favs

Carolyn Devonshire April 26, 2009 at 1:00 PM Oh, James, this is such an awesome write! Like you, nature is in my mind even if I'm barreling "down the freeway." We can't escape the beauty we have witnessed, and I do believe it helps relieve some of the day-to-day stress that might otherwise bring us down. Excellent poem. One of my favorites now. Love, Carolyn

Trudy Diane Rider April 24, 2009 at 5:51 PM sewer vs skunk...wow...I hate skunk. Got sprayed once. I love this poem...it's so me.. my head is never out of the forest. Wonderful poem Jim!! ~Trudy~

Dane Ann Smith-Johnsen April 23, 2009 at 12:20 PM Well, James, Of course I love this one. The forest called strongly and I had to leave the city. But, that's where the money is.... And people have to survive. Thank you for this most lovely and enjoyable poem. I can see where your heart is and how you survive the life race. Lovingly, Dane

Daver Austin April 23, 2009 at 10:23 AM Beautifully and simply put. Makes me yearn for old camping days. The ending is choice. Love, daver

L'Nass Shango April 23, 2009 at 9:21 AM I measure this poem a second time, the grand spectacles of nature painted in familiar tones of love, and the contrast of city life, more like jungle than the forest ... and the beautiful, professional way your poetry presnts them ... this is an immortal nature poem ... Wordsworthian in dimension.

Charlene Bird April 22, 2009 at 8:34 PM An interesting write, I have lived in the city and the coutry both, and have found the appreciation for each. There are always those pro's and cons in everything and everywhere. Nice read!

L'Nass Shango April 22, 2009 at 6:59 AM I am reading in you, Jim, not tributes to earth day, but a greater reason why, something more personal and without expedience ... a majestic write, my brother, love and thanks for your telling on my words.

Charmaine Chircop April 20, 2009 at 1:00 PM wonderful painting of nature,it makes us feel we re there drinking from the secret spring,of course i love nature so much and i always find a forest much nicer than the city,heaven on earth you brought us today-bravo----charma

Sharon Winter April 20, 2009 at 9:08 AM That is a good thing. It has become a part of your soul, and I agree with Laurie, hold onto it as long as you can. An absolutely beautiful write. You are lucky to truly be in the forest. It is a saving grace, is it not? Going to read again, love this one. Love, Shar

Christopher Higgins April 20, 2009 at 4:20 AM Let your mind stay in the forest..leave the big metropolis behind..your writing is beautiful to read..so well done.

Laurie Ginn April 20, 2009 at 3:51 AM Back in the city but I think in the forest,,,hold onto that as long as you can. It's how we city dwellers survive. When you can't hear it your forest anymore then it's time to return. This speaks to my heart Jim.

Carrie Richards April 19, 2009 at 7:49 PM I love this, James....it just goes to show, that we can keep memories alive....perhaps that peaceful place is only in our mind...but it's there...ours to keep! I often do this very thing just before falling to sleep...I try to think of something beautiful, someplace or something that gives me that peaceful feeling. This poem is wonderful :) ~ Love, Carrie