Night with the Woods

a poem by Mary Mathew

The woods are engulfed in darkness-
Yet I walk with the hope of my faith.
The aroma of the newborn leaves is
Filled with the freshness of the dewdrops.

I paused for a moment when the fireflies
Advanced fluttering in the starlight that
Peeps through the eaves of the forest tops.
A dance commences spreading light
Into the interiors of the large patches of forest.
The garment is thus embroidered in a motif
Of brilliant hues of creatures that dwell here.

Nature has guarded her treasure in the canopy
Of this greenery where the secret is being
Revealed to me in each step I took to the vernal core.
In the branches of each tree, it holds nestled birds
In a motherly affection that lulls its young ones
To a serene sleep when the branches swing in
The breeze that gently wafts with a song on its lips,
Embracing its listeners with the armour of maternal instincts.

With mesmerized eyes, I strolled along the verdant
Carpet that is spread honouring me with flowers strewn
On the way like a dignitary being welcomed to new realms
By the little creatures of this woodland, as each tree bowed
Before me in salutation, conferring sights to me as a sightseer.

The creepers entwine to itself like wedded lovers.
The rickety cricket accompanies me with unsteady stride
As the nightingale croons to someone beyond the dell.
When the dawn falls with golden glow amid the sylvan
Glades, the journey that was begun will end when it should-
For the woods will wake to tomorrow’s morn and I shall
Have the night with the woods and the woods with me as well,
Until then I will walk till the daylight reaches her or me.