they would have come here
on these worn trails
through thick woods
when Spanish moss hung
ghostlike
from trees just beginning
to green

silent feet and
whispering voices
down the forest path
to the place where water
gushes from rock
and flows in two
directions

standing in late afternoon sun
warming from winter
gathering and speaking
in unfamiliar tongue
a familiar ritual
of disbelief and wonder

Photo by Karma Norjin Lhamo