Hello Birch Friends

Your ghostly faces like smiling friends

reach out to me, softly glowing,

like a foggy morning

dappling the surfaces

of my memory.

You sway gently there in the past

haunting my dreams

with your pale shadows.

I still recall your gentle branches

leaning in to tell me a secret

as I ran beneath your boughs;

your arms of spotted white

guiding me along child-wondered paths

untethered by the stresses

of modernity.

I smile now upon seeing

your shapes whip past;

your bright green leaves

rippling like the surface

of a Great Lake.

I wonder how much of you

remembers me,

of that child I once was,

roaming free among the foliage,

screeching with delight

when I found a new forest path.

Don't forget me now

as I leave you once more.

I promise you this time

ghostly friends,

I will not be long

for your familiar embrace

once more.

_________________________

Author's Note:

It's been 10 years since I was last in the state of my parent's birth. Coming back to Minnesota was like coming home after a long journey abroad, and I relished every minute of it.

Be prepared for more nature poetry inspired by the beauty of Duluth, Minnesota! ( And pictures too! )

Want to read more of my poetry? Check out these below!