In Woods

I stand silent in woods

still waking, glimpse through

speckled branches and

spidered mist

a doe and fawn

galloping down the greening

lawn that rolls all the way

to the bluff above the waves;

sprung from beyond

my sight, on legs so light,

in light so pure I could

believe myself in heaven,

blending to one with doe

and fawn, the spindled trees, tender

grass, and wordless

letting go.

--Elizabeth L. Merrick

Originally published in Muddy River Poetry Review (Fall 2020)