Woodland Spirit

Mar 26, 2014

—

Along a woodland path, I strolled
of nature’s beauty I extolled:
The dappled trail, a great horned owl,
infrequently, a gray wolf’s howl.

The gentle, scented lake-side breeze
had me completely at my ease.
The midnight hour had come and gone.
Toward a clearing, I was drawn.

Why I went, I’ll never know.
It was my destiny to go.
The Harvest Moon with mystic light
revealed an otherworldly sight.

A shimmering appeared, it seemed,
or, perhaps, I’d only dreamed.
I knelt in supplication to
a spirit who appeared in view.

In beauty, purity and grace,
with love-light shining from her face,
a halo, waves of raven hair.
I was in awe to see her there.

I kissed her hand and softly prayed.
The orchestra of nature played.
The scent of cedar on her skin
enveloped me with warmth within.

The blessing of her touch sublime,
in harmony our souls entwined.
A world apart, together now —
no question as to where or how.

Conversation through the night.
Her wisdom helped me see the light.
In times of need, like little birds,
they come to me, her precious words.

To me, her message was of love
for man, for nature, God above.
To let me love beyond my fear.
To live in balance through the year.

Awakened at the break of dawn
I found the spirit to be gone.
Perhaps a dream — and then I found
a ring of stones placed on the ground.

I sometimes feel her doeskin dress
against my arm — a sweet caress.
Poetic gifts of love and grace,
soothe my heart, my soul embrace.

Notes: The stones represent: Learning, Respect, Acceptance, Spiritual Sight, Listening, Speaking, Love, Service, Relationship, Creativity, Dynamic Spirituality and Gratitude.

Image: http://newmelleray.org/sharingform.asp?id=760

…

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Comments

65 responses to “Woodland Spirit”

iliketoitals

December 22, 2014

this piece and “playful spirit” are very nice. always great to see a story that is fine by itself fit so well into rhyme.

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1. Dennis Cardiff
  
  January 4, 2015
  
  Thank you for your kind words. They are much appreciated.
  
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xthumbelina

July 14, 2014

One of my favourites by far. Rhythm truly does draw me in x

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1. Dennis Cardiff
  
  July 14, 2014
  
  I’m honored and humbled by your kind words. I always enjoy reading your blog. ~ Dennis
  
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the Prodigal Orphan

April 30, 2014

I love the simplicity, the enencumbered style of your work. The pure elegance of sharing your soul.

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bullright

April 24, 2014

“To let me love beyond my fear.”

A great familiar, confronting thought.

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1. Dennis Cardiff
  
  April 29, 2014
  
  Hi bullright, thanks for your comment. I read that the opposite of love is not hate, it is fear. It takes strength to love. I haven’t always had that strength, but I’m progressing each day. It is a wonderful feeling. ~ Dennis
  
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Sharmishtha

April 17, 2014

amazing! your poems are pure magic.

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1. Dennis Cardiff
  
  April 19, 2014
  
  Hi Sharmishtha, thanks for your kind words. I loved your poem “SWEET SERENADE”. ~ Dennis
  
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afsheenanjum

April 10, 2014

Hello Dennis
No posts since many days ? Hope things are good at your side..
May Allah bless you ameen

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1. Dennis Cardiff
  
  April 18, 2014
  
  Hi afsheenanjum, the weather here has been very inhospitable. The cold, wet, snow and winds have kept my homeless friends indoors, wherever they can find heat. I saw some of them yesterday and hope to see them again next week. ~ Dennis
  
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  1. afsheenanjum
    
    April 18, 2014
    
    I hope things will become normal soon. we are helpless infront of mother nature.
    
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  2. Dennis Cardiff
    
    April 19, 2014
    
    Hi afsheenanjum, this week the weather is more normal. I hope to get back to normal. ~ Dennis
    
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  3. afsheenanjum
    
    April 19, 2014
    
    :) That’s good
    
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naturerestoresme

April 3, 2014

hi dennis, I have awarded you with the Dragon’s Loyalty Award! If you want to accept, see my latest post for details. If you’re not into awards I truly understand, but just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your wonderful blog and all your visits.

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1. Dennis Cardiff
  
  April 7, 2014
  
  I am honored and humbled that you have nominated me for this award. Thank you. ~ Dennis
  
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tinatowey

April 2, 2014

This is lovely, Dennis. It has a truly fey quality and echoes of the old legends – King Arthur and the Lady of Shallott and also of poems like La Belle Dame Sans Merci. Beautifully crafted!

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1. Dennis Cardiff
  
  April 7, 2014
  
  Hi Tina, I feel that this poem was dictated to me by spirits. I have seen many native spirits in the area where this was written. I believe, they were imparting their wisdom to me. ~ Dennis
  
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Adriana K. Weinert

April 2, 2014

Absolutely beautiful and inspiring!

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1. Dennis Cardiff
  
  April 7, 2014
  
  Hi Adriana, thanks for your kind words. I enjoyed your post, “Finding your creative trigger after a day’s hard work”. ~ Dennis
  
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tt4r

March 31, 2014

Yes, Dennis. I live in Australia, but I feel your ground with this. Thanks.

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1. Dennis Cardiff
  
  April 7, 2014
  
  I’m sure we share much common ground. I enjoyed your post “The human condition bowed through its levels”. ~ Dennis
  
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  1. tt4r
    
    April 7, 2014
    
    Thanks. I like your posts on the “gotta find a home” site too..
    
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bluebutterfliesandme

March 31, 2014

I can smell the poem. Lovely as always~

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1. i
  
  April 7, 2014
  
  Hi Sindy, this poem was written in a truly magical place. I cried out to the universe and the universe answered. Blessings. ~ Dennis
  
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bethechangebutterfly

March 30, 2014

Love the poetic words. Very detailed as if I was there. And very inspiring as well. Thanks for posting.

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1. Dennis Cardiff
  
  March 30, 2014
  
  Thanks for your kind words. I love your blog, especially your post “Less is More”. This expresses my philosophy as well. Blessings, Dennis.
  
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  1. bethechangebutterfly
    
    March 30, 2014
    
    Hi Dennis,
    I’m glad you liked “Less is More”. Thanks for stopping by and reading my blog. Knowing someone reads and likes my stuff helps to keep me going. Thanks for the encouragement.
    
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mcbaba

March 29, 2014

very beautiful poem dennis,i wish i had your talent

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1. Dennis Cardiff
  
  March 30, 2014
  
  Thanks for your kind words. I enjoy your songs, especially “Coming Back Down (HU cover)”. Blessings, Dennis.
  
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leadourlives

March 28, 2014

simply beautiful. a multi-sensory experience.

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1. Dennis Cardiff
  
  March 30, 2014
  
  Thank you for your encouragement and support. It is much appreciated. Blessings, Dennis
  
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Wildfire8470

March 28, 2014

Fabulous. Not a single forced word or break in meter and you’re choices in wording denote a true poet.

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1. Dennis Cardiff
  
  March 28, 2014
  
  Thank you so much, Karen, for your encouragement and support. I’ve just downloaded your book ‘Magical Night (Weekend Getaways)’. I can’t wait to start reading it. ~ Dennis
  
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Skye @ TheSanctuaryofMyHeart

March 28, 2014

Absolutely perfect, Dennis. I love the imagery and the meaning behind each stanza. Simply lovely. Thank you for sharing!!

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1. Dennis Cardiff
  
  March 28, 2014
  
  Thank you so much, Skye. I loved your poem “Who?”. Absolutely perfect. ~ Dennis
  
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Citizen Tom

March 27, 2014

Beautiful. I can write, but not poetry. Yet I appreciate the power of carefully crafted words.

I noticed with that the pictures you chose in this poem and in “Wings” you apparently intended to allude to “angelic” qualities. The picture you chose for “Wings” probably comes a bit closer to the Biblical character of angels.

It is odd how we forget that the Bible describes angels as powerful masculine creatures. Wherever the reason, our use of the word has changed.
http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=angel&allowed_in_frame=0

Apparently, that change began around 1590. That change was regrettable, I think. Fortunately, you do not actually refer to angels in this poem. I think that for the best.

“Wings” I think is definitely suggestive of a guardian angel. Do guardian angels have wings? I have no idea, but my mother said I had such angel, that everyone has one. It is a cinch that from time to time I have certainly needed mine.

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1. Dennis Cardiff
  
  March 28, 2014
  
  Thanks Tom, searching for suitable images is always a compromise. You’re right, The angel in the poem “Wings” is intended to represent a guardian angel. ~ Dennis
  
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2. the Prodigal Orphan
  
  April 30, 2014
  
  I’ve always considered angels to be whatever entity is chosen to serve God’s purpose at a particular time. Two of the most powerful in my life, as it turned out, were girls I knew many years ago, well on their way into womanhood but still with the innocence of childhood firmly in my grasp.
  Then there was my Boxer. Her name was Sundance. For for the days during which I was recovering from having donated bone marrow to a totally unidentified stranger (rumor had it that it was someone in the Middle East, my one request being they were told it was an American who saved her life, who was her angel), Sundance wouldn’t leave my side at all. Day, night, there she was. And even when I was napping I could feel her gaze watching over me, making sure I was alright.
  Or at least getting closer.
  Keeping me company when nobody else was home with me.
  And when I was fully recovered to her satisfaction, she knew her job was done and her time had come.
  She lost her long battle with cancer and we had to have her put down.
  Only an angel, a true angel, would have hung in there for a joker like me.
  
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  1. Citizen Tom
    
    May 4, 2014
    
    I don’t know what forms angels may take, but we have been told we may not be able to recognize an angel when one is present.
    <blockquote?Hebrews 13:2 English Standard Version (ESV)
    2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
    
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  2. the Prodigal Orphan
    
    May 4, 2014
    
    An angel can change your life, or may even just change a moment. There were there, and somehow, some way they were able to do something for you that nobody else could.
    Could have been their purpose, their calling.
    God put them there for a reason.
    Who knows where they’ll go next, who they will visit, or if they’ll ever be called upon again.
    Sometimes it’s only in hindsight that you recognize them, and it seems you’ll never see them coming.
    
    Matthew 25:35 teaches us that rewards in the kingdom of Heaven are given to those who serve without thought of reward.
    What goes around, comes around.
    I remember when I was called upon to be a marrow donor. People asked me how / why I would consider going through that.
    Simple:there were, at the time, 17 million people in the world wide date base for donations.
    I was the one who matched. THE one who matched.
    
    How could I tell Him no.
    I found out virtually nothing about the recipient, but it was very specifically suggested that it was a lady in the Middle East.
    I told the folks at the Donor Registry to make damned good and sure the lady knew the donor was an American.
    Her angel was a blue-eyed devil.
    Mysterious ways, huh?
    
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Ellen Antill

March 27, 2014

I appreciate your perspective, Dennis. Thank you for your creative and inspired work. Thanks, too, for following my relatively new blog/website, Storytelllers: Women Creating New Life Stories.

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1. Dennis Cardiff
  
  March 28, 2014
  
  Hi Ellen, thanks for your encouragement and support. It is much appreciated. I enjoy your blog, writing is a great creative outlet, especially for women who have suffered abuse. ~ Dennis
  
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Tash Divine

March 27, 2014

This is simply beautiful!

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1. Dennis Cardiff
  
  March 28, 2014
  
  Thanks Tash, I loved your poem “Epi(c) – To – Me”. ~ Dennis
  
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LadyBlueRose’s Thoughts Into Words

March 26, 2014

whispers of magick fill the air
to one who listens with such respect and care
mysteries of the unseen beyond the mist unfold
as the ancient ones secrets are quietly told
.

What a beautiful and magickal poem Dennis…I could feel the wind
as he whispered through the trees…
Thank you for sharing…
Take Care…You Matter…
)0(
maryrose

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1. Dennis Cardiff
  
  March 28, 2014
  
  Thank you maryrose. Your comments are as beautiful as your poems, and they carry so much wisdom. ~ Dennis
  
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  1. LadyBlueRose’s Thoughts Into Words
    
    March 28, 2014
    
    I smile as I hear from the voice of the one who just created this work of art:)
    I am drawn to enchanting and earth wise works of art…
    and Thank you for your kind words back, though I am not sure about that wisdom with my constant chaos :)
    Have a great weekend Dennis! Smile..it is contagious…
    Take care….You Matter…
    )0(
    maryrose
    
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Lyn Horner

March 26, 2014

Exquisite vision, Dennis!

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1. Dennis Cardiff
  
  March 28, 2014
  
  Thanks Lyn. I’ve had many visions similar to this. I’m trying to encourage them through learning about astral projection. I have your book “White Witch”. I can’t wait to begin reading. ~ Dennis
  
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Tiny

March 26, 2014

That was a poetic gift in itself! Beautiful and encouraging poem in every way. I particularly loved the “In times of need, like little birds, they come to me, her precious words”. This says a lot about the guidance we can get if open to it.

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1. Dennis Cardiff
  
  March 28, 2014
  
  Hi Tiny, those are my favorite lines as well. Thank you so much for your kind words. I look forward to you publishing your first poetry collection and another novel later in 2014. ~ Dennis
  
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  1. Tiny
    
    March 29, 2014
    
    Thanks for your encouraging words Dennis!
    
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Nomzi Kumalo

March 26, 2014

A positively wonderful poem Dennis. I guess there are signs of hope everywhere. :)

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1. Dennis Cardiff
  
  March 28, 2014
  
  Hi Nomzi, Thanks for your kind words. There are signs of hope everywhere. You just have to know where to look. Like spirits, you have to really believe in order to see them. ~ Dennis
  
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  1. Nomzi Kumalo
    
    March 28, 2014
    
    Exactly. And you are most welcome. Have a lovely weekend Dennis. :)
    
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naturerestoresme

March 26, 2014

Such a beautiful poem! With such an inspiring message. Just love it.

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1. Dennis Cardiff
  
  March 28, 2014
  
  Thank you so much. Being a full time nature photographer, you know what being completely in tune with nature feels like. I loved your poem, “Scritch Scratch Squoosh Screeeeam!”. I experience that a lot when trying to meditate outdoors. ~ Dennis
  
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  1. naturerestoresme
    
    March 28, 2014
    
    Thank you Dennis! Tuning out the world whether you’re in a building or outside amongst other people is never easy! hehe. But I had a good chuckle writing this poem.
    
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mockingbird181984

March 26, 2014

“Why I went, I’ll never know.
It was my destiny to go.”

Which made the difference… love it.

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1. Dennis Cardiff
  
  March 28, 2014
  
  Thank you. One of life’s unexplainable, yet life changing, mysteries. ~ Dennis
  
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Miss Fredy Malarky

March 26, 2014

This is pure poetry, I hope to learn from you x

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1. Dennis Cardiff
  
  March 28, 2014
  
  Hi Miss Fredy, thanks for your kind words. I love your poem “Fiona writes”. It is mysterious, intriguing, yet full of hope. ~ Dennis
  
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btg5885

March 26, 2014

“The scent of cedar on her skin.” How vivid. I know it is a simple phrase, yet it conjures up memories. Nice work.

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1. Dennis Cardiff
  
  March 28, 2014
  
  Thank you very much. I love the scent of cedar. ~ Dennis
  
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