The primeval forest at the Toft Point Preserve
by Ethel Mortenson Davis
Underneath
undisturbed giant trees,
beneath the soil,
the mycelial web—
a fungi galaxy of life,
connects all the trees
together,
one species next
to the other for a reason—
a dependency for life.
Lichens drape
the forest floor,
even over the fallen trees,
covering them
with a green blanket.
Tree trunks grown
for four or five hundred years
climb into the clouds.
My heart seems to grow
at least as tall.
A bird’s song
I do not recognize,
plants I cannot identify.
The air thick with oxygen
and the icy breath
of a thousand Wisconsin winters
gathers around our ankles
as we stand in a primeval forest
on a small finger of land—
all that is left.
Note: Based on the scientific discoveries described by Peter Wholleben in The Hidden Life of Trees.
fourwindowspress 
Reblogged this on Becoming is Superior to Being and commented:
Trees are fundamental to life as we know it. — kenne
Thank you, Kenne. Ethel
I love this, Ethel. Have watched documentaries about the hidden interconnectedness of trees and other plants and how they communicate with each other. Fascinating!
You paint a wonderful picture with those words.
I’m a fan of all Peter’s books, he’s a rare man.
Yes he is. Love Ethel
Some poorly misdirected outgrowths of the human family have much to answer for. 😦
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Lovely words from you as ever, Ethel.
I appreciate you. Love Ethel
Likewise, Ethel. Both you and your words.