My Little Hideaway

The sun burns down
But I don't mind
All is peaceful in this place I find
I call it my little hideaway.

A bird can be heard
Chirping a beautiful melody
Interrupting the silence only intermittantly
In my wonderful little hideaway.

The soothing sound of a waterfall
Paradoxically increases the feeling
Of silence that is gently deepening
In my little quiet hideaway.

A squirrel scampers quickly
'Twixt the branches over my head
I look up, and my eyes follow, lead
Around in my little hideaway.

Streams of light filter
Through redwood leaves above
Casting intricate shadows -- I wonder, is that a dove?
I puzzle on in my little hideaway.

The creek beneath me flows
Over a rocky bed
But it still flows smoothly from where it is fed
The cool water flows by my little hideaway.

My feet, I notice, are wet
I remember the fun of wading
Through the creek below, trading
Nothing for my little hideaway.

A cool breeze whistles
Through the tree trunks
Two acorns land with happy thunks
I look around and marvel at my little hideaway.

Alone I am here,
But I am accompanied
The trees smile, the squirrel cocks his head
As if to inquire about my little hideaway.

Secret it must remain
For it is my place
My place to escape the rat race
Which is why it is my little hideaway.

        -- Bem Ajani Jones-Bey   2.5.99