A Portrait of a Sanctuary

I walk alone along the river bed
The sounds of Nature singing in my ear
So different form the strident sounds at home.
I’ve grown so accustomed to the city din,
The smoggy air and constant traffic noise,
A mob of people always in the streets.

Earth’s sweet perfume wafts through the air,
As I, on the ground, momentar’ly kneel
And rub the oozing soil between my hands.
It has been two and twenty dreary years
Since last I was amongst the wildlife
That in this haven bountiful resides.

Some simple flowers grow along the bank,
Like nature’s sparkling jewels among the ferns,
Their colours bright against the deep green grass.
A breath of wholesome air seeps through the glade,
Combined with scents so delicately wrought
From Nature’s ornaments so sweet and quaint.

The birds are sweetly singing from the trees,
While others chirp with glad exuberance,
Just as they used to when I was a girl.
The river laughingly flows by my feet,
Two swans glide by almost without a sound
Like regal dancers floating weightlessly.

O’erhead the branches form a graceful arch,
The sunlight shimmers through the woven leaves
The thick tree trunks like marble pillars stand.
I kneel in quiet reverence and awe
In this outdoor cathedral of the Lord,
Awaiting benediction from the skies.

I wash my hands with water cold and clear,
And sit awhile by the riverbed
To feast my senses from this country-side.
As waves of ecstasy roll over me,
My eyes fill up with tears of happiness
And roll unheeded gently down my cheeks.