Angry into the Forest 

I went angry into the forest,

shedding vitriol and rage as I seethed

from some injustice I perceived.

Fury swirled like dust around me,

as I hurdled like a cyclone on the path,

confiscated by my wrath.

Then crept a startling whisper

into my boiling blood -

"Mercy!"

was the silken plea.

Aware at once, I melted with regret,

offering now profuse contrition

like temple fruit

to the foliage.

"I am sorry," I said,
"for bringing anger to this place,

sorry for dishonoring your space,

sorry for this slur upon your tranquil grace."

Humility supplanted rage as healing flowed

from leaf and root and branch,

absolved the defiling

with love as lush and vast as perpetuity,

took my anger, sowed it,

and with Earth’s kiss,

transformed it

into tree after tree after tree

of verdant bliss. 

 Copyright ©2008 Juli Maltagliati

MEET THE POET:  Juli Maltagliati lives in Florida with her mother & multiple animals. She dreams of mountains. A writer of poetry for many years, she has only recently begun to publish her work. She has pursued her primary career as a life connoisseur since 1951.  Editor's note:  Juli's work appeared in the original NoNiche magazine beginning in February 2008. We are pleased to revisit this work which was published in the March 2008 issue & are equally honored to now be able to share a sampling of the music, in addition to the art, that Ms. Maltagliati has been blending with her prose for a small group of friends until she originally agreed to allow us to print her work. For this presentation, the music, art & layout were chosen by the publisher. Those wishing to connect with Juli may do so here.

Music by:  Diarbe (Gaia)

November 1, 2008   by Network Abundance Publications (NoNiche Retro series)