Acer Palmatum: Japanese Maple

Poem by Mary Oliver: How I go to the woods

Ordinarily, I go to the woods alone, with not a single
friend, for they are all smilers and talkers and therefore 
unsuitable.

I don’t really want to be witnessed talking to the catbirds 
or hugging the old black oak tree. I have my way of 
praying, as you no doubt have yours. 

Besides, when I am alone I can become invisible.

I can sit
on the top of a dune as motionless as an uprise of weeds, 

until the foxes run by unconcerned. I can hear the almost
unhearable sound of the roses singing.

 If you have ever gone to the woods with me, I must love
you very much.” 
― Mary Oliver, Swan: Poems and Prose Poems

Photos by Lelantos