Forest spirits linger high and
wonder at the changing sky.
Sky blue interlaces with clouds
above summer mountains blue.
Below, dark gorges are punctuated
by sharp granite shoulders, themselves
overlaid by softening moss quilts.
The still quiet is
broken by the first raindrop,
a mouse scurries for cover,
and the Lost River roars welcome.
I lose my worries at the feet of granite giants,
feel them washed free by rain hunting
the Lost River, hidden deep underground.
Its voice emerges from caves,
behind glacial boulders and over waterfalls.
Even the forest spirits are silenced.
That powerful roar
intrigues and captivates.
In the waterfall is the full fury.
What were my worries?
They pale beside river spirits,
kinfolk to the forest spirits.
The Lost River surges,
its voice amplified by
last night’s thundershowers
coupled with today’s sprinkles.
My spirit expands.
Copyright 2015 Brenda Davis Harsham
Note: These photographs were taken today at the Lost River Gorge. Over 1300 steps led into and around the gorge, taking us on a hide-and-seek journey exploring the Lost River and its many secret places.
35 thoughts on “Forest Spirits”
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Friendly Fairy Tales 
Brenda, your list of worries was so true and valid. But as we enter nature and take our small place among tall trees, our cares and worries “of the day” seem to melt away. This was a lovely post for days beginning and would bring comfort at days end.
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Thanks, Robin. I have had such fun this summer. The kids and I have tramped through so many beautiful places. It’s a challenge to write poetry that doesn’t detract from the pictures. I’m glad I’ve succeeded, even if in small measure. XOXO
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That view is to die for! Another place I must visit one day. Beautiful words and photos 🙂 x
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It was such fun for the kids to wiggle through all the caves, too. Ten! One was called the dungeon.
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Oh dear! these are YOUR enchanted places! How is your arm doing? I hope the summer and these beautiful adventures keep the pain away!
Hugs, Luana
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I have lots more range of motion and less pain, but the rotator cuff injury is still preventing a lot of activities. I am delaying the MRI because I don’t want more surgery. I’m doing okay. 🙂 XOXO
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A beautifully written, magical piece. A true pleasure to read. 🙂
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Reblogged this on Traces of the Soul and commented:
One of many masterpieces. Check out her poetry and photos. It is like walking in a fairy land!!
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Thanks, Oliana! I’m glad you like my fairy tale poems.
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Thus is truly magical and fun. I could imagine myself there!!
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I’m so glad! XOXO
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So very beautiful, Brenda. Thank you 😀
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It was a special place. 🙂
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Beautifully penned, dear Brenda… Your words flow like a river! Best wishes to you. Aquileana ⭐
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Thanks, Aquileana, you are the Goddess of lovely comments! XOXO
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Reblogged this on Voices and Visions.
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easy to lose one’s worries in such a beautiful place, i imagine.
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Yes, even the nagging ones. 🙂
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Reblogged this on By the Mighty Mumford and commented:
OUR SPIRITS RAISED…BY HERS, SUITABLY PHRASED. 😀
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Thanks, Jonathan!
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beautifully written, so evocative you transported me from my kitchen to the a waterfall in a forest glade. 🙂
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Yeah! I wish I could go back there today, 1300 stair steps and all!
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This is so magical, so special…what beautiful pics and stunning words…this is a place of healing and of enabling spirit to reconnect with spirit! What a wonder-filled start to my day…I can hear the water’s fury and feel the spray. Wish I was there…thank you SO much. What a talented lady you are! This is food for the soul….. 🙂 x
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Beautifully done Brenda and the photographs are superb.
xxx Huge Hugs xxx
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Thanks, David!! (((HUGS)))
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Your writing draws me in totally, I’m absorbed at the imagery and intimate feeling you convey. Brenda this is incredible and brilliant writing.
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Mary, what lovely things you say. I’m so happy your spirit expanded with mine. That’s how your art makes me feel, too.
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I love this poem! The image are great, but the poem resonates with my soul. I wish I was there! With your permission I’d like to add this poem to my ever growing collection of new poet’s work so I can re-read it.
Until I started blogging and poking around at what others were writing about I didn’t really read new poets. I know. Dumb! I’m catching up now. 🙂
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I’m not sure where you’d be adding me, but if you mean reblogging, sure. If you mean putting a link somewhere, that’s okay, too. Will you be putting up some poetry? Your photos are great!
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I was just going to copy it with your name and copyright and stick in my poetry folder on computer to re-read. Me poetry? I’ve tried off and on to write, but I’m not very articulate. I just never seem to be able to pull out the words to match my feelings so, I leave it to those that can and treasure those poems that strike a chord in my soul.
I can just bookmark your blog page so you don’t have to worry about me having a copy of your poem on my computer. I’ll be able to find then.
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You are welcome to do what you describe, since you keep my name with it. And don’t worry about writing. The words will come when you least expect it. They are there, underground, like the lost river.
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I tweeted your post so I’ll find it there among my tweets when I need to feel the forest sprites. 🙂
I’m going to send to a link to a Kindred Spirit who will get it too. I’m so glad I found you Brenda! xx
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You’re lovely, thanks. I’m glad we found each other, too. Have a wonderful summer!
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Refreshing waters. 🙂
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Yes, it was amazingly fresh and pure feeling.
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