These north woods
are lovely, bright, and deep
glistening with snow
and promises to keep
Serenity resides
in the fresh wonder of
the new wintry familiarity,
renewal in fresh snowfall
I have not trod, of late,
these winter woods
two years have passed
since my last sojourn
my longest such time
away from this place,
its brisk tranquility
These north woods
are lovely, bright, and deep
glistening with memories
promises to keep
aroma of pine wafts
unseen smoke warms
someone’s home,
my very soul
walking down
this familiar road
I know where I
have been is not
where I am headed
though the route
remains the same
each tire track
fading onto the horizon
is a different thread,
unique memory,
both history and map
there is scant traffic,
little to break the stillness
save the occasional
remindful siren song;
trill of a blue jay,
staccato woodpecker,
synchronized squirrels
tap dancing on birch bark
there is comforting
warmth in this winter air
a soothing, balmy chill
in the soundtrack
of these woods
I walk on, serene
These north woods
are lovely, bright, and deep
glistening with snow
promises they and I must keep
– Mark Lucker
Ponderable polemics, poetic 