Stand still. The trees ahead and bushes beside you
Are not lost. Wherever you are is called Here,
And you must treat it as a powerful stranger,
Must ask permission to know it and be known.
The forest breathes. Listen. It answers,
I have made this place around you.
If you leave it, you may come back again, saying Here.
No two trees are the same to Raven.
No two branches are the same to Wren.
If what a tree or a bush does is lost on you,
You are surely lost. Stand still. The forest knows
Where you are. You must let it find you.
“Lost,” by by David Wagoner, from Collected Poems 1956-1976 (Indiana University Press)
Poetry Friday is a means of finding oneself. Take a look at where else you might end up at the Poetry Friday round-up, hosted by Big A, little a.
hmmmm, the woods??? trees? This is really lovely!
ReplyDeleteThat is a BEAUTIFUL poem. Wow.
ReplyDeleteAlso a beautiful picture.
The setting fits what I chose today as well.
Damn, that's beautiful. Truly, magically beautiful. Thank you for that.
ReplyDeleteOh, that really is too much beauty. I may have to walk away for a bit and let that one sink in. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI really like this. Thanks for posting it.
ReplyDeleteLovely poem and photo! I am standing still as I can over here.
ReplyDelete