Forest Preacher--By Jim Teeters--United States

Forest Preacher

As I walk early this morning

the high half-moon

nibbles away at the few remaining stars

or is it the other way around?

A Steller's Jay preaches a raucous sermon

of heavenly promises

for those who repent and

turn from their selfish ways

Dark trees raise their lacy hands

to signal full agreement

The serpentine trail

twists off and I follow

suddenly aware of my hands

pushed deep into jacket pockets

Jim Teeters has published poetry in several anthologies. He conducts poetry workshops for children and adults and is active in poetry readings in the Seattle area through the Striped Water Poets. He is the author of six poetry collections and the book, Teach with Style, (ASTD Press July 2013). Jim is a retired social worker living in Kent, Washington.