Original DDE™ art: “Spirit Soars” — by: rob kistner © 3/30/26
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the trail begins softly
as if it has been
awaiting my footsteps
spring breath rises
damp
green
alive
each step settling
into a rhythm
older than thought
around lost lake
the ancient forest
does not surround—
it receives
douglas fir—
massive
quiet cathedrals—
lifting—
beyond comprehension
…western hemlock
…red cedar
weaving shadow
and fragrance
into air
you can almost hold
light falls in patient beams
touching fern
…moss
…bark
…and water
everything alive with time
…not years
…not decades—
but centuries
you walk without urgency
the forest opens
sudden—
holding mount hood—
reflecting immaculate
in the crystal mountain lake
like a memory
that has always been
wind brushes the surface
the image shimmers
not lost
just gently changing
a beautiful hot air balloon
drifts silently into view—
light as my spirit
no need to reach
for meaning—
not here
it rises
on its own
steady as breath
you feel it—
…in your chest
…in your shoulders easing
…in the quiet widening
of your thoughts
this place does not take
it holds—
and somewhere
in that holding
you understand
my life
is not an ending
but a continuation
of time eternal
like this forest—
an unfolding
…vast
…rooted
…enduring
a becoming
that belongs
this is where
my ashes
will return
when my journey ends
…but not yet
…not this day
there was a turning once
a near crossing—
and then…
back
so it is here
in this paradise—
in this joy…
…in this circle game
I will wait
until…
my new trail unfolds
cedar breath
and mountain light—
embracing stillness—
they wait with me
Original DDE™ art: ”Glorious’” by: rob kistner © 3/30/26
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rob kistner © 03/30/26
Great job! Like you, I love the forest so much, and this brilliant work is inspiring me to get out and go on a hike. The forest has that silent, epic sense of belonging that I have never felt anywhere else. Much love and respect on this masterful poem!
Thank you so much, Cara! Thank you for visiting. I appreciate what you have to say.
I enjoyed that forest trail, Rob, with spring breath rising with the rhythm of our steps. I would love to see those ‘massive quiet cathedrals’ of Douglas firs. I needed some ‘cedar breath and mountain light’ — thank you.
this workednfornyou
Kim
Each time I make the drive from Bend to Portland and beyond, I travel thru lush green Rhodedendon, passing Mt. Hood. Often I stop, make the drive up to Timberline for lunch, brunch or dinner. OOOOOOOOHHHHHHH we are so very lucky to know this place, to know all of it. Another beautiful work of poetic artistry.
I’ve been up to to reliance number times however it is beautiful out there my wife and I’ve had dinner up there. If I was a skier I’d ski from up there. I’m not. I know that drive to very well.
I’ve been up to to Timberline number times however it is beautiful out there my wife and I’ve had dinner up there. If I was a skier I’d ski from up there. I’m not. I know that drive to very well. That insane Jack Nicholson movie was filmed up at timberline where he’s got the ax and he’s going here’s Johnny.
What a beautiful forest and paradise you have shared with us Rob. That mountain light is gorgeous.
Thank you so much Grace… 🙂
Beautifully written, Rob. I could feel the beauty of the deep forest in your words. Well done.
Thank you Dwight! 🙂
Beautiful and peaceful Rob.
Thank you so much shaun, appreciate your kind words… 🙂