Journey

Let me take you on a trip

And camp among the stars;

Branches fanned above us

As we lie beside our cars

And listen to the night sounds

And all that they unfold

With their hints of creatures skulking

And the hunger that they hold.

Listen to the crackling flame

Of wood as it reduces.

Squint askance as sparks they dance

From heat that fire produces.

We are out in nature's yard

In needles, stones and cloud,

Melting back to what we were:

A bestiary allowed.

Despite the trappings of our lives

We're animals once more-

Back to ground, gathered round

At peace, at Nature's core.

Relax and sink again

Inside the senses of your mind

And shun the weapons of the age

That want to make you blind -

A stunted version of yourself

A shrunken withered ball

Of fear wrapped up in cortisol

Designed to make you small.

The world expands before you

As you nestle under trees

And midnight black extends a hand

To put you at your ease.

The scent of mountains sleeping now

Weaves into nostrils wide;

Breathe in the ancient history

Of landforms by your side.

A loon calls out a mournful cry,

A shout-out from the lake

To reassure you not to rush -

Have all the time it takes

To reset, relax, readjust

And remember who you are.

Your journey's just beginning

As you lie among the stars.

*

You can read about Ellie's unofficial challenge here:

Links to other poems I have written for this challenge are here but you really ought to check out Ellie's too as well as those written by L.I.E. and Calvin London to name but two of the writers also participating:

Tea

The Clock

Red

Queen

Key

Garden