As you walk down the dirt path, past the tall green trees,
I hope you remember who you are when you reach the willow tree.
You will inevitably get lost, confused in the woods,
struggling to find your way to the willow.
When the light dims, the whoos and coos of owls
and other nameless creatures will hymn in your ear,
distracting you from the overcompensation of your own voice
a light whisper of overthinking,
a gentle pluck of uncertainty.
The journey is long and weary,
more mournful for the woods you walk
than eager for the destination ahead.
With fleet, you fall,
but with glory, you rise
again and again
proving you know what you want.
Unsure of what lies at your destination,
you remain purely hopeful,
your mind already hanging by the tips
of the lanceolate leaves.
The sun fades to moonlight,
and you stand in the quiet presence
of a single thought
a dream that lingered
through the walking and the withering.
Thankful for sight,
eager never to turn your back to the wilderness,
for you have reached
nature.
I used to dread it every year.
The mysticism of winter filled me with fear.
I observed the fallen leaves on the floor.
The emotion on my face flipped to a sore.
I'd rather dwell on my gloomy thoughts.
What struck me was how I argued and sought
I loved everything almost watching nature.
Plants and animals are affected by denature.
It poured as I strolled by the oleander tree.
Oleander is the oldest living species to dree.
The bane is its dark green lanceolate shape.
the water trickling down from the cape.
My black cat is making an active effort.
to seek refuge behind falling leaves.
However, it is reacting to a leg hurt.
It might draw too wet for food and sheaves.
If a cat could foam a wish come true,
I lack to have a lot of tasty fresh fish.
a fish that is wriggling and writhing too.
I would wish it in a silver, fluttering dish.
Everything works in complete harmony.
Winter is groovy, but it won't last until spring!
Summer and bliss are in aorist harmony.
Winter will not persist; everything swings.
Written: January 22, 2023
Winter Is Not Forever Poetry Contest
Sponsored by: BJ Legros Kelley
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