Child of the Forest
the keeper of all things green
the one who teaches the trees to extend up
and to dig down deep
who freely plays among
the mighty oaks, the beech, and the birtch
and frolic among the ancient firs
wandering spirit seen tenderly
caring watching preserving
feeding the life of the forest
providing a home for all
who would dwell beneath her boughs
playful and carefree
though watchful for those
who would harm her living trees
with reckless fury
she would unleash
on all who seek to destroy
with piercing gaze
she sees the heart
to know if you are friend or foe
for the forest she loves
as long as the forest lives
she too remains
for she and it are one and the same
**Edit**
I was reminded by a fellow artist-poet friend, xoanxo cespon, of a reading he had done of my poem. This poem and along with the artwork was originally published in 2012 in a collaboration called on the wings o’ butterflies. {http://www.blurb.com/books/3451376-on-the-wings-o-butterflies}.
Prints are available for purchase at Child of the Forest.
All profits are donated to the non-profit group Makeway Partners to help aid in their fight to end human trafficking.
