". Arranged Words: Peaceful Steps

24 Jun 2014

Peaceful Steps


 The ferns are tall and beautiful now.
Many years ago, a random conversation brought to my ears the startling revelation that the woods are terrifying for some people. I laughed only because I thought the man that was telling me this was kidding, but it soon became apparent that he was not. Although he found the (dark) woods terrifying, he said he felt safe walking the streets in any city any time of the day or night!  And so I learned that what brings peace to one person does not necessarily bring peace to another.

Unlike my acquaintance, I grew up with the woods in my backyard, and so, for me, it was always a place of wonder, discovery, and a refuge. No doubt there were many dangers lurking, but I always felt safe. (Fearless youth.) These days coyotes have trotted all the way across the country, and on the way have bred with the timber wolf.  Perhaps if I had grown up knowing that they were a part of the landscape, I'd feel more at ease. Of course, animal attacks of any kind are not prevalent, but depending on where I am going and how far I'm hiking it's probably wise (both then and now) to buddy up before starting out.
Blue Flag Iris
Yellow Flag Iris

 A few lines from Robert Frost...


                                                The woods are lovely, dark and deep,   
                                                But I have promises to keep,   
                                                And miles to go before I sleep,   
                                                And miles to go before I sleep.


  Making...



3 comments:

Carolyn said...

Like you, I grew up with woods all around me, and have never been afraid in them.

Penny said...

Always liked that poem by Frost. We live on the woods as well, and recently walked the trail behind our house with the grand kids. Sadly, the woods have narrowed, due to building, thank you very much. I'm glad we live within minutes of forests, so we can enjoy more of nature, and I do have some fear, but try not to let it rule my life. I would not go alone anymore. Lovely post, Dixie. :)

Dixie @ Arranged Words said...

Thanks, Penny.
It is a favourite poem of mine, too. When I read or recall parts of it from memory, I'm in the woods on that "snowy evening." Perhaps it has something to do with those "harness bells" shaking and those "downy flakes." :^)
The area that you live in breathtakingly beautiful! Walking through the woods there must be lovely.