The forest breathes,
a gentle sigh,
wrapped in shadows,
a sanctuary for the soul.
Here, whispers of the past
linger in the air,
aromatic memories
of pine and earth,
interwoven in the silence.

Birds flit through
the dappled light,
a ballet in flight,
while beneath, the ferns
stand guard,
their fronds unfurling
in a delicate dance.

• Gino Bartali