Temporal Absolution Poem by Raymond Farrell

To pure unbroken solitude
in the serene depths of northern boreal forest
by this clear lake of glassy calm
I came in haste to sit and watch
a large orange sun
set

and in the gathering darkness felt cool breezes
instinctively drawing my blanket tightly to me
I crouched closer to the fire
dancing like fury on the face of the lake

slowly the orange flames turned to glowing red embers

but still I sat

a full moon could be seen
traversing a star-studded sky
and off in the distance a wolf howled

but still I sat

glowing embers smoldered and died
the dew's dampness forced me into the tent
where I lay listening
to a lone fox yap
and an owl hoot

at last all became calm within me
my breathing grew long and deep
my heart beat slowly
and sleep came
gently and untended.