The Gentle Pace of Rest
written by: FC Malby
@fcmalby
Damp, cavernous lengths
of tree bark flesh out across
woodland paths — nature’s
barrier to a destination,
thrown down in a storm
forcing you to pause, observe,
feel, scan the frilled rainbow
colours of the lichens and the
glow of beetles finding a
home. Time stands still after
the rains, here in the forest.
Ferns and yellow ochres calm
your senses, peel your mind
from furious emails and incessant
calls, a desk slapped with post-it
notes. We can learn from the still,
quiet pace of nature, from the trees
and creatures that change with the
seasons, leaves stripped bare for
new growth, body temperatures
lowering in readiness for hibernation,
an unlearning of rush, a casting
away of layers of lists and busy,
a discard of heaviness and worry,
the gentle pace of rest is found
here, in nature’s healing balm
with its quiet sounds and drip
drip of moisture, the call of birds
the pause of insects as they wait
for the heat of the sun to rise.
- We Want Our Bodies Back - January 20, 2023
- Spotlight On Writers – FC Malby - March 5, 2022
- Oh, How You Will Fly - February 1, 2022
