The Forest Walker was written in August 1916, poem no. 50, in Collected Poems (for those hesitant to purchase the hardcover box set due to the cost, as was I, I purchased the eBook version for $2.99)
It is learned from the accompanying text that this was written after learning of Rob Gilson’s death while he was stationed at Thiepval.
This presents the walk at night in a deeper, more contemplative mood striving toward somber.
The final text is presented as C.
He asks if ever you’ve walked away from the light and company of others and into the woodland where the light is dimmed and noise muted.
He says he often walks alone at moon rise on a journey of his own. He speaks of the solitude and tranquility of an evening in the woods.
The closing lines:
And I long to find the forest
There to wander down the year,
Till the dancing in the darkness
And the voices now unknown,
Till the spirit of wide places
In the twilight is my own.
Readers of his work know of his love of nature and trees in particular, as well as his connection to nature and concern for its loss at the hands of industrialization.
I’ve always appreciated nature and supported its preservation, but I was never an active camper or outdoors man. However, I decided to do more in this regard and have taken to visiting local walking and hiking trails.
I enjoy the peace that comes from an early morning walk along a path surrounded by trees and a stream running nearby, or a rocky trail that brings me to a view overlooking the lands down below.
While taking place during the opposite time of the day, his words capture the essence of the land and the wandering of thought that when set free in nature, circles back to what is significant in our life be it a question or known answer.
Resilient Seeker Coaching | Ross Raymond Nunamaker 