Dark bewildering forest
Cathedral of pine and firDeer and elk carry her
Squirrels run her errands
Foxes are her spies
Lynxes silent sentries
Bear-warriors her men at arms
Wolfs her honor guardRespect the Queen of the Forest
Protect her trees
Care for all her animals
Give thanks for her bountyAnd the woods will always be
© REDCAT
A haven to those that know
The way of the forest Rå
Written for Sanaa’s prompt on Imaginary garden with real toads,
Weekend mini-challenge: Take a chance and step into the mythical realm.
Also posted to Poetry Pantry #498.
The world according to RedCat 
I love this poem as much as I love the forest and her creatures. And that’s a lot!
Oh, thank you so much. ❤️ I’ve struggled with this one, so I’m really pleased if it came together in the end.
Oh I grew up with stories of her… she would lure young men into the wood, with her long hair hiding the hollow of her back.
If you like the creatures of the wood… check out the paintings by John Bauer…
I love John Bauer’s paintings. I’ve actually visited a forest preserve in Sweden that looks like his forests. Truly magical.
I’m also quite fond of the music piece, In the Hall of the Mountain King by Grieg. And of course Gnomes (Trolltyg i tomteskogen)
So did I. In my neck of the woods she was also seen as helpful to girls tending cattle on summer grazing and men tending charcoal kilns.
This is stunning. I love poetic mythologies. Gorgeous poem and painting. I’ll definitely look up the artist.
You certainly created excellent imagery with your words.
Love the way you flip the scene between the first and second lines, bringing me right into her ordered domain. :)
Yes I agree we must respect the queen of the Forrest! Love this!
Fascinating, to read of the animals which inhabit non-Australian forests. To us, they are all story-book creatures, which adds to the mythical quality of your poem.
Oh she is absolutely ravishing both in your words and imagery! ❤️ I love; “Lynxes silent sentries/Bear-warriors her men at arms/Wolfs her honor guard.” Thank you so much for writing to the prompt :D
I love this tale of the forest queen. An interesting story I have not heard before.
Indeed we have to follow the example of the queen of the forest and respect all the life within!