Half a century ago

I set my eyes upon you

For the first time

In this woodland

 

The tall trees shaded

A host of delicate plants

Painted in many

Colours of the rainbow

 

Many varieties of insects were

Buzzing from plant to plant

Feeding greedily

On plant nectar.

 

Spieces of different birds

Perched high on the grand stage

Each out singing the other

Intoxicating the air with heavenly sounds

 

Your untied

Long flowing

Black curly hair

Was blowing in a gentle breeze

 

You'd an inquisitive face

With searching hazel eyes

Crimson lips

A floral scarf draping your slender neck

 

You wore a yellow

Knee lenght dress

With a black belt

Circling your slim waist

 

In bare feet

You walked gingerly

In ankle deep growth

Gathering wildflowers

 

Startled by my prescence

You stopped

And stared at me

With inquiring eyes

 

You soon regained

Your composure

Presenting me with a flower

A peace offering?

 

You then impressed me

With your vast knowledge

Of the flora and fauna

Inhabiting the woodland

 

Reeling off names of the native

Plants

Insects

And birds

 

This chance meeting

Life long friendship forged

You were a remarkable woman

And an inspirational teacher

 

Alas you've gone

Reunited with your mother earth

Once again a free spirit

Roaming celestial woodlands

 

You didn't die

I feel your presence

Walking besides me

Where ever I go to

Places we frequented

To walk in your foot steps