Secret Wood
Deep secrets lie in unfrequented places
Where the urban plan gives way to spaces
Dark and undulating ever spreading wood
Mushroom feet ivy scarf and green hood.
A dank path silent, soft and bramble sprung
Leads deep and dim into the overhung.
There waits no friendly guide nor worded sign
No footfall breeze or rick nor brick or line.
Old roots writhe in unexpected places
Boles with holes no sure and even paces.
A rill of loamy clots lies up awaiting.
Rain! A sudden shrill debating.
Sheering through the canopy of green and brown
Towards the crashing sea and the unknown
They flay the salty wind on fearless wing.
Their secret wood is left to wintering.
P. Lesley 2012
I wrote Secret Wood for a United Press Competition
(after I had been homeless for eight years)
Secret Wood
Secret Wood
Deep secrets lie in unfrequented places
Where the urban plan gives way to spaces
Dark and undulating ever spreading wood
Mushroom feet ivy scarf and green hood.
A dank path silent, soft and bramble sprung
Leads deep and dim into the overhung.
There waits no friendly guide nor worded sign
No footfall breeze or rick nor brick or line.
Old roots writhe in unexpected places
Boles with holes no sure and even paces.
A rill of loamy clots lies up awaiting.
Rain! A sudden shrill debating.
Sheering through the canopy of green and brown
Towards the crashing sea and the unknown
They flay the salty wind on fearless wing.
Their secret wood is left to wintering.
P. Lesley 2012
I wrote Secret Wood for a United Press Competition
(after I had been homeless for eight years)