The Forest Vast Poem by Larry Schreckengost

I roam the forest vast
Where wild sumac blocks my path
And thorny briars cut and slash
As sky grows dark with smoke and ash

The forest roars as giants clash
Precious loss from fire's flash
Good judgement begs to flee
As I strain to see

In these woods, I acclimate
Gathering tears for vanity's sake
Much too commiserate
Traveling home I hesitate

Old friends on my mind
Loved ones lost to time
Fatigue ends my day
Still, I wish to stay

Soon I'll walk these woods
Only in a cerebral way