Exposed Poem by Hm. Nes

There are hidden places I dare not go-
Places once forbidden, now inviting:
'Come! If you're but willing to risk regret'

The mountain glade untrodden, undiscovered
With myriad perfect blooms springing to life-
Such color!
So much fragrance!
Also bids me come and gaze
And be satisfied

There I may certainly go, and I should go-
My footfalls breaking the silence, wrecking
Tender shoots, as I stoop to observe
More closely, with undistracted intensity
The unparalleled beauty of a bloom
That only I will ever see
Only I will ever know
Only I will ever taste

While other places, equal in splendor,
Though somehow more intoxicating-
Rarer in beauty, though common and known,
Places I would best avoid-
These places call to me
They draw me
They haunt me

Cry louder, you rolling hills,
You mountain paths and peaceful streams-
Lift high your voices, you wild flowers,
You silent temptresses,
Lest I fall prey to the wonder of another,
Who passing more closely to my door,
Allures me in this moment that is
Best preserved for you