I gaze up above and see shafts of light shimmer downward
through the naked branches of oak and aspen.
The trees lay sleeping waiting for the sun.
The warmth to bring forth the green.

With eyes closed my ears prick at the sounds
of the littlest creatures dwelling within.
birds sweep and float and spin at dance and play
A single hedgehog ambles in to stay

My cheeks sting as a rain swept wind
arrives from the north.
Teasing the lie that winter is here to stay; when
I know spring will soon come forth.

I lay my hands on each tree
feeling each hole and knot
The scars of life living in the forest
I know I will care for my new friends for in my grove
I never believed I could feel so free.

Penned by my hand this 16th day of Miraman, 473 AF


Penned by my hand on the 18th of Miraman, in the year 473 AF.