The Maryhill
Hoh Rain Forest
Hoh Rain Forest
I.
Pacific storms return again and again
to the western Olympic slopes,
building ancient forests into emerald eternity.
New trees sprout on fallen nurse logs,
the earth itself too densely carpeted
to shelter more new life.
Wherever I look,
I see a thousand shades of green
and the scent of a million living things
walks with me.
II.
I reach out my hand
and the priest gently sets
a host upon my palm.
I place it in my mouth
to melt slowly
as I walk back to my pew.
Kneeling down,
closing my eyes,
I see the rain forest,
lichen, moss, branch upon branch,
layer upon layer of living lace,
drawing me further and further
into the great green heart of the world.
An infinity of living greenness,
layer upon layer of amazing grace.
Pacific storm. Hoh rain forest. Eucharist.
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About the Author
I grew up in Yakima, Washington and attended St. Joseph Grade School and St. Joseph Academy, going on to Gonzaga University as a National Merit Scholar. In my 40's, I went to Washington State University and earned a master's degree in English. I am a wife, mother, grandmother of five and have worked as a teacher and geriatric care manager. I take care of my 89 year old mother, who lives independently in an apartment near our home.
