McLane Creek<\/p>\n
No need to be afraid
\nin the dark wood.
\nWalk near the fox\u2019s den,
\nthe possibility of a coyote,
\nor toward the beaver\u2019s lodge
\nsinking into the lily pond.<\/p>\n
When you take a single step
\ninto the dense green,
\ninto the comfort of high firs
\nand the dazzle and pattern
\nof light among leaves,
\nthere is no need to worry.<\/p>\n
You will discover the realm
\nof dropping yourself,
\nof losing interest
\nin the small, failed you.<\/p>\n
There is no need
\nfor fear because every fern
\nand every simple moss
\nassures you
\nthat you are suitable
\nfor such a life.<\/p>\n
The shimmering dragonfly,
\nstunning and buzzing,
\nand the red-winged blackbird
\nskimming over rushes, and each
\nfinch who sits on a sturdy thistle<\/p>\n
truly, though you
\nmay not see this,
\nwelcomes you into
\nthe still pond and into
\nthe buzzing meadow
\nof bright acceptability.<\/p>\n
So therefore it is
\nnot necessary to be afraid
\nonce your legs and heart
\nwalk you into the deep,
\nvivid comfort of just how
\nhere you are.<\/p>\n
Barbara Gibson was a counselor at The Evergreen State College, retiring in the late 90’s. She has written poetry all through the years and the changes. She also writes plays, one of which, “The Abolitionist’s Wife: the Saga of Mary Brown” was produced in Olympia this summer to sold-out audiences. Major literary influences include Paul Goodman, Kenneth Rexroth, and Robert Bly, all of whom she was lucky enough to know personally. In Olympia, she is privileged to be a friend of Jeanne Lohmann, who would be Olympia’s Poet Laureate, if we had one. She appreciates the talented and generous poetry community there.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
McLane Creek No need to be afraid in the dark wood. Walk near the fox\u2019s den, the possibility of a coyote, or toward the beaver\u2019s lodge sinking into the lily pond. When you take a single step into the dense … Continue reading