Rain-infused greens
inspire whimsical thoughts –
surely there are sprites
frolicking amongst the mossy boughs,
sheltering beneath ancient roots
whose twisted tendrils rise and dip
in rhythm to Earth’s pulses.
The muddied path pushes back
against my weary legs, invites me
to sit awhile, wonder at the impossible
heights from which birdsong flits across
treetops, pinging back from unseen
distances, unhindered by human progress.
Salmonberries, newly popped,
herald the seasonal shift,
and I watch as a slug undulates
slowly past, antennae bobbing,
the black spots of its tail reptilian.
Below me, lantern-like blooms
of yellow sprout at creek’s edge
their pungent aroma carried by
the still chilled vernal breeze.
A red-breasted nuthatch scurries
up a neighbouring fir, while two robins
flirt playfully on the rainforest floor,
hopping amongst the freshly flowered
trilliums, their white crowns a regal
presence in this place of enchantment.
(Image my own)
Morrell Nature Sanctuary first appeared on One Woman’s Quest II in April, 2018. Morrell Nature Sanctuary is on Vancouver Island, Canada.
Nice reading of such a lovely write, VJ!
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You’re welcome π
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Amazing π! You are very talented and thank you for sharing π
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Thank you!
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enjoyed the audio and such a nice place to enjoy
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It was wonderful. Thanks Yvette!
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How beautiful! This was truly special!
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Glad you liked it!
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This is such a beautiful poem, and your reading of it is stunning.
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Thanks so much, Luanne.
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Thank you, VJ, for taking us there through your beautiful poem and photo.
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Thanks Amy. Nice to have this remembrance of the place
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So well observed and written down, I feel I’m there with you
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Thank you!
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You took me there with you! β€οΈ
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I’m glad, Laura
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Stunning imagery and delightfully bring forth your words upfront and real. This is one of my favorites of yours, VJ.
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Thanks Eugi! π
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You’re welcome, VJ.
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Of all the well observed imagery the undulating slug was the most memorable for me
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He was a supersized slug, lol. Hard to ignore
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Such a great one, VJ. Your narration is perfect and irresistibly touching
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Thank so much
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Welcome dear
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Lovely reading, VJ. Local birds harmonized with you!
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They did! Thanks
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I enjoyed this respite in the forest, and I thank you for it!
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I’m glad Liz.
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π
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Now I would love to return Vancouver Island where my family loves . Thanks from sharing this VJ.
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It really gets in your heart. You’re welcome
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I loved all the rich imagery and enjoying hearing your voice. Sanctuary is the best name for it.
Wishing more sun filled walks, Sarah
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Thanks Sarah. Certainly had a lovely day for being outdoors today.
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Magnificent, VJ. Love the ‘salmonberries.’ ππΌππΌ
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Thanks!
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Love the precise detail (and the slug!) and the length of this poem!
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Thank you, Lynne.
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Thank you for sharing your trip to Morrell Nature Sanctuary with us. I can just imagine sprits out there in this forest. It does seem enchanted.
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Thanks LuAnne. I was in April, and the forest was just waking up. The kid in me loved it.
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It looks gorgeous.
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So lovely! π β€
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ππ
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I closed my eyes while I listened to your reading and I imagined myself there. Wonderful descriptive poem.
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Thanks Heather. I’m glad it had that effect.
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Preciosa narrativa.
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Thank you for sharing
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Oh, thank you for making the forest come alive for all of us VJ.. I love the west coast in North America, in both countries. I have not had the pleasure of seeing Morrell Nature Santuary in person (yet). My visit to Muir Woods in California years ago was very memorable. Have a great weekend!
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Thanks Susan. That coast is so beautiful. So many places like Morrell.
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Always enjoy listening to you, VJ. Thanks for taking us with you to this magical place.
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Thanks Punam.
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