Soothing of the Soul

by Red Dodge

Treading softly upon the forest floor
alone, in a unknown wilderness
warmed, by the mid morning sun
yet cooled, with an afternoon breeze

Treading softly upon the forest floor
seeing, snow covered patches of rolling hills
ice keeping a tight grip on the waters
both, fighting, cringing, melting
as spring quickly approaches

Treading softly upon the forest floor
noticing, white birches standing naked
evergreens barely green
wild flowers yet to bloom
waiting for spring's life giving touch

Treading softly upon the forest floor
listening, unable to see, the solitary beaver
rebuilding his lodge
splashing, disturbing the solitude
of the still waters of the lake

Treading softly upon the forest floor
hearing, the call of the jay
warning of impending danger
the approach of man

Treading softly upon the forest floor
watching, the mallards gliding effortlessly
across the waters
feeding, talking to each other
full of life

Treading softly upon the forest floor
surprising, two deer, catching a glimpse
of their fleeing white tails
as they run, seeking the sanctuary
of somewhere safe

Treading softly upon the forest floor
stopped, watching a battle from above
two hawks, screeching, talons intertwined
violently spiraling downward
like a tornado
on a summer's day

Treading softly upon the forest floor
looking, for an answer
searching for an inner peace
knowing nothing has changed
but for a moment in time
there was

a soothing of the soul