- A Peaceful Shrine
As though intent to veil the sun,
summer clouds rise up
above the hills, like tendrils of vine,
to let their wispy fingers
search the changing sky.
Early morning's rosy mien had
changed into one of a more pensive mood--
I fear—reflecting mine.
But then, my senses harmonize with nature;
mountain flowers climb on verdant slopes
to lie beneath gnarled oak branches.
Now I spend my hours here,
reading in the shade, while sparrows
on a bough above me, softly sing.
Let their song prevail in this pastoral
shrine, where dedication to nature comes so freely.
I watch Solitude, sink between the weeds and grasses
of the wayside, donning queenly
robes, with silky petals on her gown—
to keep me from being lonely.
