Where Shaded Woodlands Part

We wait, each for the other to abate

This silenced mood with phrases steeped in warm

Intoxicating sun, alleviate

This lengthened hour, again walk arm in arm.

Pride clings tenaciously as winter’s chill,

As ice on stilted oak in stubborn cold;

Yet time has always known the thaw and will

Again as wreaths of light and love unfold.

Like quaking aspen dancing restlessly

On furring mountain slopes, and fluted wind

That laves ripe grain, unspoken thoughts stir free

And syllables in sentient tones descend.

Let mind meet mind where shaded woodlands part,

For words without their shadows heal the heart.