Secret Garden

It resembles a mirage
the presence of the unexpected
a micro-landscape of exquisite detail
presenting the aesthetic elements
of classical design with a focal
point and the mystic drama of
a miniature landscape
to please the demanding eye
though whose eye is debatable
sited deep within a wilderness forest.
The mountain stream trickling
into a charming pool
riddled with boulders
that once hurtled down the
mountain slope forming a rocky
pathway across the slight stream
bisecting the fastness of the
forest floor. Standing regally
beside the stream a majestic
Yellow birch, its ancient bark
curling in exfoliating beauty
under and surrounding its wide base
a veritable fairy ring of blooming
Lily-of-the-valley, sensitive ferns
ablaze in fresh new life
crowding the forest floor
alongside an understory of
showy dogwood and violets.