In a Field

In a Field

As I emerge from the dim canopy of woods,  

The narrow footpath I have trod now opens wide its arms.

Trees fall away on either side, revealing the wide, blue sky above.

And stretching before me, fecund fields of wildflowers

Celebrate the day in their finest party clothes.

They smile and wave in greeting.

On one side, the land dips, providing passage,

And the Spring rains are reborn as a gentle stream,

Sparkling in the daylight, after their dark and winding journey

Through the mountains towering above.

In the stillness, around and within me, a celebratory tune rises.

The stream, speeding now through its tiny, venous valley,

 Lifts its voice, burbling in harmony with the

Faint hum of breathy breezes and the birdcalls from the distant forest.

Bees, thronging the sunny goldenrod,

Buzz along with the lilting Summer song.

Tiny white Spring Cress on slender stems, begin to sway

And tilt their heads to better hear the melody,

While dandelions dance, and neighboring grasses swish their skirts

In response to the joyful tune.

And I, like dreamers through the ages, feast my eyes

On the beauty and grandeur of creation.

And I, like dreamers through the ages, feast my spirit

On the harmony manifest before me and within me.

Lifting my head and breathing in the joy,

I join with all nature in celebration –

Of life – of purpose – of meaning—

Of communion with the God of creation.

Joan Turrentine

May 2019