In the Noiseless Wood

Poemata 86

shadows make no sound / but the wood is full of things / played softly by wind

In the noiseless wood, where wind ascends the hills
Neither call is heard -- lowing nor crying nor word;
Sound perhaps of stones and leaves in shady rills
Silence dense and full -- only my footfalls anull;

Stopping now, I listen, if some message there
Hovers yet unsought -- waiting for ears to be caught;
If each moving thing was made this place forswear
Why is it so calm? -- whistling wind but its psalm;

Hap the passing hikers made a happy peace
Tho' for many hours -- tarrying lone in its bowers;
Even birds are missing, such mystery increase
Once I heard a cry -- raven, but never nearby;

On the ridge a cabin wrought of heavy logs
Empty sits in day -- Quietly, as is its way;
Nothing penetrates, although no rain or fog
Dabbled clouds aglow -- clear in the valley below;

If I had a week to wait to hear that call
Soundless as a ghost -- spirit of birds undisclosed;
Passing on to places people tread in fall
Chatter on the wind -- with human voices now skinned.

Author’s note: Voiceover is a little shot, as I lost my voice this weekend.