Pinewoods

In the pinewoods, far away from the city and the sun, your face will be full of sunlight and all the blue sky will stretch around you. In the pinewoods, far away there is an air that moves your thoughts like dry leaves in the wind. In the pinewoods, far away, your soul will slip away into the thickest green shadows and hover there with arms held open in the sun. In the pinewoods, far away from the city and the sun. In the pinewoods, far away. These thoughts will tell you that even the dullest were wise, that all the bright creatures understand. In the silence and air, you will understand also. The mountain meadows and the deep forests will fit you in the softness of their embrace, you will know at last how to hold for everything that vanished in the dark, this light that has gotten too strong. These trees swing around you with their blossom of old safety, whatever that is. There is no word you can wear like a coat to keep out the light. It is all over you.

• Mary Oliver