The Woodland

Deeper still the Woodland calls me Further yet, she lures, enthralls me Hapless I, with charms she hauls me To her unknown hinterlands. Up, I see the forest giants Standing tall in self-reliance Ancient, gnarled, in defiance Weathering the winter's hands. Down, I see leaves, fallen, floating To which place, they are unknowing In the streamlet's eddies flowing Dancing to an ageless tune. Further on, I gaze in wonder As a river falls in thunder Misting torrents cascade under Slanting rays of afternoon. Scattered rocks are graced with flowers Breathing in perennial showers On the brink of Nature's towers Far above the bustling towns. Never could an earthly City Paint a picture half so pretty Not could sing such lovely ditty As the Woodland's captive sounds. In my ear they whisper softly Whistling bird and peaks so lofty "Whither went, and for what sought ye When ye left this tangled space? For ye find here scenes of splendour Vistas grande in awesome grandeur Rugged views they be, or tender Never could ye leave this place" For to me she is appealing I and she, both glances stealing Lost in unknown depths of feeling As I see her changing face. Far from wild clamour ringing I can hear the crickets singing See the points of starlight gleaming. Never would I leave this place.