We come to this place burdened by the work of the world,
Seeking a few moments of peace and calm and respite.
We have built ourselves a world that seems to hold us in its grasp.
We are bombarded by the very culture we have created,
And wonder what it is that we have fashioned.
At such times we do well to heed Nature's way -
Nature's way of beauty and order and consistency.
The late afternoon shadows provide us a loveliness in bold relief.
The sun, not so warm now, gives us depth of light and shadow
That suggests a greater depth in ourselves we might seek.
The rolling hills of autumn yield up a palette of color
We can drink in, enjoy, savor - but not duplicate.
The lakes nestle in the valleys secure in the great scheme of things,
Reminding us we, too, have a right to be here,
Have a place in which to laugh and love and live.
The moon-caressed sky exhibits a stillness and a gentleness,
We do well to emulate, if only we could.
The leaves, dry and brittle beneath our feet, are sober reminders
That all living things must one day perish.
When our world is too much with us,
When what we have wrought seems to overwhelm,
When our very works seems to stifle our spirit,
We do well to take ourselves apart for a time
and learn from Nature's way.
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