A Voice in the Wilderness...

Grey day spilling down in waves,

from a fine mist kissing the ferns 

changing to a steady pour,

drenching the still leafless branches

that drip in a staccatto droplets

and glisten on the tree bark,

reflecting lights for this wooded driveway.

Moonlight glows behind the clouds

giving a pale glow to the rain as it falls,

tiny bolts of lightning contained in each droplet,

exploding in a burst of muted light,

brown and grey among sodden leaves, 

sparkling upon the quartz scattered here and there

and pooling in ruts hidden by leaves 

lying in wait for the unwary traveler, 

to spring a trap of mud and water

and socks soaking in cold boots.

Snap of a branch and the forest is suddenly still;
the frogs have ceased and the birds are silent
like in a westrn movie when the hero
 walks into the villian's saloon

and all heads turn to see 
who dares disturb the quiet.

Emerging from the fog that swirls along the treeline
is an albino deer, well pied actually,
a blaze of white splattered brown
as if painted by an angry artist in a rush.
Pale pink eyes, reflecting and refracting the dim moonlight,
drawing in the light and seemingly glowing 
like a white ember in the bed of night

My eyes move, but not my head
as i follow his movements,
for he is a buck as his thick neck attests,
and watch him meander along an age old game trail. 
As he steps, so do i, mirroring his every move
lifting and placing my feet with great deliberation,
lest i stumble, kick a rock or break a branch
and give away my presence.

Mystical sighting,
where is the enlightenment, 
are you here to prepare my way, 
to help me get ready?
Then, keep my nerves steady,
keep my outward appearance calm
lest the turmoil within does 
less good than harm
Keep my heart warm
though i feel ice in my veins  
and keep my mind clear
to see this through to the end...
            04-26-14