A Japanese study revealed forest landscapes are therapeutic and reduce stress.
Steady yourself with trees.
Grasp the lower branches and hold on.
Yes, like that. Greet the hemlock
without fear. (Think Socrates.)
You can pass through a woods
entire this way, going from tree
to tree over rough ground,
your moving-forward steps
inevitable in a life lived beyond
the steps of what you’ve called
your home, and on to the home
on the other side of this great
woods you have already entered.
(Don’t even think about turning back.)
Even now the sun is gone; darkness
settles like an old friend into your
common soul. Steady yourself
now with the presence of trees.
