UNSHADOWED

Kristen Lenea Ryberg

Mr. Pitt’s Pond Valle Crucis N.C. Fall

---

UNSHADOWED

There is wide in wander

sky, an undemanding friend.

Its un-sun-washed seclusion

saturates showered moss

blooms viridian iridescent

on a stage of grey rock.

Ruffled ferns promenade

on the isthmus of brown leaves

between smoky pond’s stillness

and stream’s ceaseless notes.

Undressed trees slowly recline

corduroy-bellied branches

bow down on forest floor.

Six white tails pounce up the ridge

their swiftness softly contained.

Muted land, I prefer your washed face

your quiet un-shadowed place.