No, not Lord Byron, but an unknown Native American poet writing about Nature. These verses are quoted by Leslie Mass who wrote a charming memoir about her hiking of the Appalachian Trail. I read the book a couple of years ago and wanted to remember her mantra. I'm no through-hiker, or even a dedicated enthusiast, but I do enjoy walking - through the woods, along the beach, or in my own neighborhood. It's refreshing to revel in God's creation
In beauty may I walkAll day long may I walk.
Through the returning seasons may I walk
In beauty will I possess again
Beautifully birds
Beautifully joyful birds
On a trail marked with pollen may I walk
With wild flowers about my feet may I walk
With dew about my feet may I walk
With beauty may I walk
With beauty before me may I walk
With beauty behind me may I walk
With beauty above me may I walk
With beauty all around me may I walk.
In old age, wondering on a trail of beauty
Lively may I walk
In old age, wondering on a trail of beauty
Living again may I walk
It is finished in beauty.
Here's a link to my Xanga site where I've detailed my most recent hike.
And you know what stands out to me in this poem? "On a trail marked with pollen..." and I think "The poet has no pollen allergies" and I marvel at that!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about your allergies, Laura. I did take one Sudafed (short acting) just to play it safe, but didnt seem to have any adverse reactions to being out in that much pollen.
ReplyDeleteThat is kind of funny about the mention of pollen in the *Indian* poem. I couldnt find out much about who wrote it.