Images: Arthur Zorn, “Path into the Pines” - Queechee State Park (l); Kathryn Petersen, “Laying in the Shade” - Thetford Hill State Park (r)

Mystery Trees

The same morning mist making 

the pines mere suggestions

hints at a path I climb

(if only in my mind)

feeling the day descend

as I rise.

Each ray lifts the myst-,

ery until I reach the top

and a clearing

where I rest,

stretching back on moss,

(there must be moss),

following pointing tree trunks

to a lake of clearest blue

I’d gladly swim–

if only I could fly.