FRIENDS IN THE WOODS

When I want to be at peace

I take myself into the woods

To stroll and think how lucky I am

For there I can effortlessly release

And enjoy my tranquil moods

I marvel at the beauty of the crocus

Pussy-willow and the blooming lily

I wander and know how lucky I am

As I smell the scents so delicious

And gaze at the butterfly so fancy

The squirrel watch with tails so long

For they know me by now, you see

I am glad to know that I am lucky

To hear the cardinal sing her song

Courting her mate in a maple tree

The deer drinks from a stream nearby

Distracting the crane with a fish in its beak

The bunny watches as if to say hello

The eagle crow circles way up high

Looking at a baby beaver so helpless and meek

For there were no man-made sounds here

To disturb the sparrow in a fir tree

And I felt like Lord of the wood

For with them the woods I share

And I know they watch out for me.

~Norman Datt~