Among trees

"I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees." ~ Henry David Thoreau

We went for the most lovely hike today in Haslemare, just southwest of London in Surrey, with our friends who run a wonderful company called Path2Pen which seamlessly blends creative writing with incredibly invigorating and joyful walks in the woods. It was beautiful. We learned how to navigate the trails and use a compass. There were creative prompts along the way. We also chatted up a storm! It was in short, awesome. To top it off, I won a copy of Mary Oliver's "A Thousand Mornings" which was just a cherry on top an already amazing day.

When I Am Among the Trees

When I am among the trees,

especially the willows and the honey locust,

equally the beech, the oaks and the pines,

they give off such hints of gladness.

I would almost say that they save me, and daily.

I am so distant from the hope of myself,

in which I have goodness, and discernment,

and never hurry through the world

but walk slowly, and bow often.

Around me the trees stir in their leaves

and call out, “Stay awhile.”

The light flows from their branches.

And they call again, “It’s simple,” they say,

“and you too have come

into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled

with light, and to shine.

~ Mary Oliver