walking in the woods

this past saturday, i had a really nice time by myself. it was my time off, so ed took the kids. i went to starbucks first, had some coffee and did some reading and writing. then, i went for a walk in the woods. i knew of this trail that i've seen from the car, but never taken before. it always looked really pretty, so i went there and spent about 2 hours walking around, and sitting on rocks in the sunshine.

here's a reminder of that day:

the cave

drawn to you,
i roam the woods.
on unknown paths,
i let my steps lead me.

long shadows of trees
greet me in the morning sun;
all i know is longing,
this unrelenting desire to find you.

walking this path,
i feel already soothed by Nature,
drawn to the inevitable
as i am.

i need to find you,
Friend of my heart and spirit.
how can we not meet?
in realizing this, i'm strong.

my steps lead to the entrance of a shallow cave;
the dimness inside, soothing.

i sit on rock,
close to a pool of clear water;
i make a fire
and watch shadows dance upon the walls.

Earth, Air, Water, Fire -
i am at home,
waiting for you.

eyes closed, and open,
i rock gently;
i feel protected, nurtured;

here, i belong,
here, i can wait,
for you.

time passes,
or maybe it stands still;
perception skewed, sharpened?
i cannot tell.

outside, i hear the rustling of leaves.
i know it's not the wind,
the deer, or the squirrels.

it must be your steps;
it's certainly you,
drawn here as i was,
by longing,
by knowing,
by stories we've carried inside us forever.

my face lights with anticipation
of seeing you - my Friend.
my tears are sweet;

you enter lightly, naturally,
open with joy of finding me,
knowing that this is all there's ever been:
this spiritual Kinship, and Presence.