Page 57 - Contrast1988Spring

The summer forest is alive with freedom. 53
I go there to escape heavy hearts.
So I ran along an overgrown path
desperate and alone,
t~orns grabbing hard at my arms and legs
like the prickly thick confusion in my head.

Finally found one spot on a log
a space to be myself,
no other's rules
or expectations
just me, imagination
and the open woods.

The world around moved fluidly
in spontaneous rhythm.
High green leaves danced
as whispers in the aimless
wind, birds flew intently
from branch to branch singing
uncaged songs in the limitless sky.

Chipmunks chased each other up
and down peaceful trees, some paused
warily on stumps and fallen trunks
to watch me cry.
They knew nothing of my pain,
simply accepted me--
one part of the whole.

As my body calmly joined the forest
I finished sprinting through rough
thicket thoughts, then lost my mind
somewhere in the wind.
I opened myself and found
Here, I belong.

Contrast Spring 1988