In sea of Glass . . . a place for woods.

THE WILDERNESS

The ancient maple stands defrocked
a gatepost to the wildeness.
Strewn down the slope behind,
its leaves still patch the dying grass.

The hills crowd in, their bulk and dark
surround the canyon's winding way;
and autumn, timeless, coming here
creates its own unique display.

The fall - of leaves and temperatures
came here two thousand years or three,
while tree and owl and rabbit ruled,
and men came only fleetingly.

Yet since a Man created this,
and saw these hills and called them good,
I trust somewhere in sea of glass,
is place for rabbit, owl and wood.

--Edwin H. Beus