In a Woodland Cave

Bride's Well

+

for Stephen

In these woods there is a place where water

Wells to a still pool in a cleft of rock

Like crystal in which an enchantress might conjure.

To enter is to inhabit a stillness as complete

And consistent as the cool water that ponds there

Beyond the ferns that arch from the steep

Rock face of the entrance to the cave.

Looking intensely at the face of the waters

No prophecy came but that I would engrave

This image on the stone of memory

And it would remain with me always

Welling in the mind's pool, constantly

Bringing a blessing of Bride's healing springs

And the tranquility such rememberance brings.