The Primary Dwelling

MUSINGS ON THE HUMAN RELATIONSHIP WITH TREES AND FORESTS OF THE LANDSCAPE

JOSHUA S. GEVERTZ

 IN FROM THE WEST

A POEM & SHORT FILM BY JOSHUA S. GEVERTZ

A lonely cluster of Hesperocyparis macrocarpa grimly stands, as an ancient throne at the ramparts of the eternal Pacific, atop the withering promontory of Bodega Head. For a moment in their presence, shielded from the wind in their quiet sanctuary, these few trees become a home.  Over the years, as I have returned to visit these haggard and contorting Monterey cypresses, this landscape has become one most sacred in my mind. There is where my heart dwells - a place of solace and refuge that my spirit yearns to know.  If you find yourself one day at the place I call a fortress of freedom, where the weary traveler may find her sanctum, and the ever-wondering explorer can meet nature’s majesty anew, please. Say hello for me.

In from the west

The Pacific wind blusters

But here, on the headland

Set back ‘midst the grass -

A shelter, a fortress

The winds they don’t enter

This place

Where both prospect

And refuge are found

Come forth! Enter!

For the secrets lie within

May Cupressus, please bless us

With the knowledge of your kin

In my wood lies hidden wisdom

Woven deeply - roots to branch

Trunk to leaf tip, north to south

Of the wind, and the rain

And all that remains

Of the headland

At my harbor’s mouth

Run swiftly! Climb thither!

In my branches, gnarled and wild

Stepping lightly, find your way

And let out your inner child

Winding, weaving, in then out

Breathe on deeply, find your route

Suddenly - Aha! You’ve done it!

Sweet emergence, wind and fog

Find the climber, who does summit

And sits atop my sacred boughs

Rest easy, soul to wander

Lift thine heart ‘bove stormy seas

Feel my foliage, smell the breeze

Eyes to the horizon, and you will see.