Patricia M Osborne

                  He wraps strong branches around me.

                  I inhale his sweet scented needles 

                  with the promise of a story in a dream

                  as the yew’s magic heals my mind

                  from darkness into light. 

                  Twigs brush my bare arms,

                  I caress their fruit, a cluster

                  of nuts drop to my feet 

                  with the promise of inspiration 

                  as the hazel’s magic heals my mind 

                  from darkness to light. 

                  She rustles her leaves,

                  I finger her silver bark, 

                  peel back a small patch

                  with the promise of fertility 

                  as the birch’s magic heals my mind

                  from darkness to light. 

                  Sturdy boulders stroke my shoulders 

                  I glance up at his crown 

                  with the promise of protection, 

                  strength and wisdom 

                  as the oak’s magic heals my mind 

                  from darkness to light. 

                  I kneel under his huge canopy, 

                  hug his wide trunk,

                  close my eyes.

                  My muse arrives.

                  I write on the page– 

                  I am rich,

                  I am strong,

                  I am wise,

                  I am gifted. 

                  I am thankful

                  to the mystic forest for its magic 

                  in healing my mind from darkness to light.