Go every day a little deeper 
into the woods, collect acorns, 
twigs, thorns, fallen leaves, 
pine needles, a fern's curl, 
a bird's nest, a lost feather, 
spring air, hot, humid air, a raindrop,
a touch of blue, a ripple,
and why not the hush 
of your steps over moss, 
the trembling of leaves 
at dusk against black bark?

Put it all in a bag and shake it: 
you will retrace your steps 
within the clearing, hear frightened 
flights, watch the rain darken the deck, 
flatten oak leaves, answer the root’s mute prayer.