James Marshall Goff Poet Prose

The Raven of Baptism River

Far as my eyes can see, 'till lake touches sky,
Earth beats as one; Poplar, Jack Pine & Birch all
Sing with the White Throated Sparrow, our Planet's
Love songs.

Sloping (5'canopy) an ancient Deer trail along the
Baptism River (flowing into Lake Superior) I startle a 
Buck during his midday Nap. Soundlessly lifting up,
He elegantly bounces away.

From above, a dark object swoops in, Brother 
Raven is curious, (always a sentinel for Hawks
And Bald Eagles).  I stand motionless,  willing my
Neo-Cortex to flood my aura with peace; as I
Extend my arm and gently imitate the Raven's
Welcome call, a double-beat "Caw caw"...I am
Here Raven, I am me". My heart quickens as
He alights on my arm, talons gripping my
Forearm gently, but firmly. Cocking my head,
I look deeply into his obsidian eyes to his
Soul...he imitates me, tilting his head in unison,
letting my gaze enter. Images from high race
Thru my mind...the rushing river...undulating
Tree tops...in an instant, we have become
Brothers of the wild, as I softly shake my arm
To set him free.
"I am me, Brother Raven, I am me"


05/30/15
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Iris E. Sankey- Lewis February 2, 2016 at 9:56 AM Amazing happening. Thank you for sharing...

Carol Eastman August 1, 2015 at 10:58 AM This is so very beautifully written! Truly loved it.

Laura Breidenthal July 23, 2015 at 7:38 PM I love how your spirituality is connected with your observation of nature...so beautiful... and Brother Raven... the names are so awesome. Your use of subtle personification really connects the reader, at least for me. There's a simplicity to it, that makes it so sweet. Awesome one! Always, Laura

Poet Destroyer A June 17, 2015 at 11:53 AM enjoyed your write, luv p.d.

Sara Kendrick June 12, 2015 at 2:39 PM Very expressive work..I could just see the raven(crow) turning his head the way they do..I enjoyed reading your work..Sara

James Peranteau June 11, 2015 at 8:27 PM Wow Mr. Goff, this write is powerful ! Great write dear poet ! I have had a many encounters with nature as such, and never have put to words the incredible feel which you have delivered in this write sir ! Awesome....going to my favz ! Have a wonderful adventure my friend ! Much love, james

Afolabi Muideen June 9, 2015 at 11:07 PM This is extremely interesting,painted with vivid imagery,excellent write friend.........A.M.

Nette Onclaud June 5, 2015 at 2:18 PM intimate connection with nature as seen from this incredible piece, jimbo... wonderful mirroring of the self with a symbolic bird.. wow!.. huggs

Constance La France May 31, 2015 at 5:32 PM James, your poem is outstanding and so visual, I could see it all happening, you did a fantastic job writing this this and thanks for visiting my poem, The Special Gift, yes fathers can be special too

Catherine Labeau May 31, 2015 at 8:35 AM a blast to read you at last good fun walking the woods going back to my nap

Nette Onclaud May 31, 2015 at 12:02 AM jimbo!... incredible work filled with sensitive imagery... a must-read nature-and-man piece; wow!.. huggs