I would have definitely welcomed you

Dottie sent me this poem today. It's a must share. Also, it seems just the thing to accompany these photos from my walk on the trails at Clinton Lake this week.  

How I go to the Woods
 by Mary Oliver

Ordinarily I go to the woods alone, with not a single
friend, for they are all smilers and talkers and therefore
unsuitable.

I don't really want to be witnessed talking to the catbirds
or hugging the old black oak tree. I have my way of 
praying, as you no doubt have yours.

Besides, when I am alone I can become invisible. I can sit
on the top of a dune as motionless as an uprise of weeds,
until the foxes run by unconcerned. I can hear the almost
unbearable sound of the roses singing.

If you have ever gone to the woods with me, I must love
you very much.

I was alone on this walk, but you were with me in spirit sisters, and had you been in the near vicinity, I would have definitely welcomed you. 

Comments

[Chris Oliveira]

Here’s another I think you’ll like:

Forests will
always hold your
secrets, for that’s
what forests are
for. To separate and
hide things. To
protect, to comfort,
to hold, to envelop,
to demonstrate, to
slow down, to hold,
to teach. Go to the
trees to explore
your questions and
dreams. Go to the
trees to desire and
seek. The world
will listen as you
walk, watch, soften,
and breathe.
- Victoria Erickson

[Carol]

Chris! That’s lovely, thank you for sharing it with all of us.