Winter Forest's inviting

My Soul Is at Peace

What joy could be greater,
what gift more quietly happy,
than receiving a meal lovingly set before us—
and so begins the morning
when the winter forest calls us,
as cold air settles gently all around.

From afar, the trees stand close together,
yet when you draw near,
you see them breathing with ease.
They may seem rough at first,
but in truth, they are kind—
and so is the narrow path winding through them.

Do not be startled by the smallest rustle.
This place may feel unfamiliar beneath your feet,
but the forest’s little friend, the squirrel,
will be the one who pauses in surprise
when it sees you.

At the sound of birdsong, faint but clear,
pause and lift your eyes to the sky.
At the tips of tall trees,
beauty hangs and glimmers
in quiet places everywhere.

Walk on—
walk a little deeper still,
and feel the peace
the winter forest offers you.

Instead of the wild cries you once shouted,
not knowing what you were saying,
instead of that animal-like roar within you,
listen now to the song
the forest sings to you.

The song
the winter forest calls you with.

*these are my own paintings*