CapturedThe sun stretches its fingertipsAcross to all corners of the landLike a fisherman casting his netAs far as he can

Its rays breathe life giving warmthTo the numerous shades of green leavesHigh up in the canopy of tangled arms of treesThe smaller trees and seedlings are not forgotten by the sunAs ray after ray filters down to touch the forest floor

A Kereru sits sleepily balanced beautifully on a branch

A broad bursting belly full of bright blissful berriesWhile the energetic FantailFlits and floats from fern to fernCalling ‘cheet cheet’ to all those that will listen

The iridescent shadow and sound of soft machine gun wingsMakes its way just below the canopyIt sings an achingly beautiful song Only, the mighty Tui can sing

The leaves rustle and the branches swayAs the wind exhales and sweeps right on throughI breathe deeply, savouring the cold fresh air That fills my lungsI am as light as a featherFloating on air

The scurry of many insect legs on a solid strong trunkCaptures my attention…My eyes change, readjustLike a lens on a cameraAs an invisible delicate web comes into focus

There is a whisper of movement in the decaying leavesWhich blanket the forest floorA bird, a rabbit, a possum, maybe?

The crunch of gravel underfootAwakens me from the moment in time I’ve capturedI glance down the drivewayIt beckons me to walk furtherBut I have mixed feelings

The world is not the same as it wasIt’s become quiet and stillThe unknown has become real

Yet I know I am safe and keeping others’ safe tooI can help with the healingBe responsible and show my aroha

So I turn around I purposefully walk homeI re-enter my bubbleWhile I think ofAll I have to be grateful for

Michéle Watson2020

I know this is a poem because Poetry Features Evidence1.

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This poem made me feel….

I know this is a poem because Poetry Features Evidence1.

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