lesser to their greater

subdued by coastal redwoods

a mature redwood forest endures few animals below its crowns,

there, a deep dark gloom befits that world,

as if here it’s time to be only serious, subdued, daunted,

when sun beams through gaps in the crown,

a moment can surprise you

and laugh like a young child,

a child who can penetrate 

the gloom of the old 

with a moment’s joy,

most times I find a welcoming in the woods,

an openness to the animal, to the human,

yet the coastal redwoods know themselves

in a way that can deny a place for us, we humans,

except as temporary visitors, lesser to their greater.

by Henry H. Walker

September 1, ‘15