Nature’s Sanctum

Fluttering mosaics in multicolored forests

intensify their hues as sunny days grow short.

Covering the mountains for winter,

they become one with the earth.

Canopied cathedrals towering overhead,

admit sunlight through ornamented trees,

and whisper anthems sweet as breezes sing

with branches of stained-glass windows.

Looking down from rugged peaks,

the granite walls, carved by time,

stand out as sacred monuments,

leering out of their wreaths: immortal faces old.

Their hosts raise them to the heavens

to form high-vaulted ceilings.

They grace the heads of these pillars

like Corinthian columns.

Dappled with green and gold,

burning in red and orange,

aged to purple and brown,

they glow against a border blue.

In these ancient sanctuaries,

where peace has a fleeting chance

to take root and flourish,

the voices of pressure fall silent.