When I Return Poem by Barry Middleton

when I return to the hills of home
the voice in the wood falls silent
the music of midnight is no more
even the wind ceases its whisper

in a cold sunset
I do not know the seasons
time is colorless

the green of the woodland valley
and the shade of the dimmest brake
have vanished in a dream of waters
dark and wide they reflect stillness

all passion has flown
flight without the sound of wings
the bird is hidden

for now I am a part of the swamp
like the moss beneath the oak
I do not hear the song of the creek
I do not feel the rush of the seasons

time is still water
memory without despair
I descend at last

when I return to the hills of home
I gaze at dusk from the hilltop view
then I will walk just one last time
into the deep embrace of the valley