Somewhere Not Forgotten

 

Late in the day, and early in the night

I walk outside into the fading sunlight

The air outdoors is crisp and smooth

I take a deep breath and begin to move

The first three steps are down the front porch

The sun over the mountain burns like a torch

Up to the road the driveway is steep

Leaving behind my strong mountain keep

Upon the street I look both ways

Aided by the light of golden sun rays

The giant pines guard and take watch

Willing to protect my life at all costs

Moving along the rainwater darkened asphalt

The sky blends into a smoky cobalt

Homes around me hold families of their own

The wilderness lives some families that roam

Upon a trail now, I touch her soil

Moving faster, I cannot toil

I approach to my right, a single madrone

And wonder why it must be alone

I travel through a forest of manzanita

And listen to the chorus of the season

Ahead I see a fork in the trail

I walk to my left and continue past rabbit hill

A tunnel of foliage guides me up to the look out

I reach a fallen tree with moss all about

Through a wall of manzanita bushes

A valley view and skylight ambushes

Down below, on the valley field of straw and grass

Two dogs chase creatures small and fast

Plants and shrubs line the passing creek

The mountainsides towering are lush and steep

Cars expose and disappear on the short stretch of road

A manned gate guards the plant entrance below

A chilly evening wind slips past my skin

As I see the sun falling within

Dust of aged earth smells of nature

Amalgamating amid stove roast and barbeque flavor

The last of the sunlight recedes through the trees

Feeling the final warmth off the forest floor below my knees

The hallowed dusk permeates the woods

As bats and lions recover their goods

We all retreat from night-time harms

To share our love in our family’s arms.

                                                                        2000-2007  Jake Belmont