Along spring’s verdant trails, I search for peace,
For here is where my burdens find release
From hammering winds and storm-filled gales;
I search for peace along spring’s verdant trails.
I pause to hear a chickadee’s sweet song,
A joyful tune far flung from city’s throng.
A tiny voice that brings me great cheer;
A chickadee’s sweet song, I pause to hear.
Upon this land, when cloaked with freezing snow,
How does this small songster survive to know
That spring's warmth will arrive and take its stand
When cloaked with freezing snow upon this land?
I shift my gaze to a wondrous, bright scene:
Carpets of white trillium, wild ferns between
That will lessen my sadness for future days;
To a wondrous, bright scene, I shift my gaze.
I dare not remove even one fair bloom;
This is their haven, a glorious room.
Protected by laws, I surely approve
Even one fair bloom, I dare not remove.
From a stand of tall pines, a doe appears,
With small tail twitching, she pauses; no fears.
A gentle creature that Nature designs ~
A doe appears from a stand of tall pines.
Behind her, on unsteady legs, small fawn,
So delicate and pure in morning’s dawn.
A moment of silence, their presence begs;
Small fawn, behind her, on unsteady legs.
I am renewed in this most tranquil place
That asks for nothing but heals me with grace.
With song, beauty, and gentleness imbued,
In this most tranquil place, I am renewed.
As I walk, true peace fills my weary soul,
Erasing fears that have taken their toll.
My spirits are lifted; I do not balk;
True peace fills my weary soul as I walk...Back to Stories
Poetry
Along Spring's Verdant Trails
A Swap Quatrain: Seeking and Finding a Semblance of Peace
Reviews (3)
Diane Kenel-Truelove
5/30/2026
Good morning, Tim! Much appreciation for your thoughtful review. I enjoy the challenge that a Swap Quatrain presents. Honored and humbled by your words... diane
R
Rachel Gosling
5/30/2026
The Words That Got to Me
‘…on unsteady legs, small fawn, So delicate and pure in morning’s dawn’ - There is something so awe-inspiring and moving about the sight of a deer, and these words took me straight to the woodland scene.
Suggestions / Possible Tweaks
I wondered if rhyming lines 1/3 and 2/4 might have worked? The rhyming couplets could distract from your imagery at times.
I loved the contemplative nature of this poem, and the gratitude to nature’s gifts. A lovely snippet of peace in a chaotic world.
Diane Kenel-Truelove
5/30/2026
Thank you, Rachel! The Swap Quatrain poetic format is an interesting form to attempt; I love the challenge it presents. Thank you again. diane
Rachelle Allen
6/1/2026
The Words That Got to Me
I dare not remove even one fair bloom; This is their haven, a glorious room. *The "sanctuary" feel becomes heightened with this. I am renewed in this most tranquil place That asks for nothing but heals me with grace. *This is my favorite couplet. I love how you went from what you see to what you feel. Behind her, on unsteady legs, small fawn, So delicate and pure in morning’s dawn. *precious image
This is a seriously TRICKY poetic format!! I'm intrigued to try it, myself, once Recital Day is over. Thank you for the inspiration. And speaking of which, my goodness! What beautiful and glorious pictures you paint fresh and so clearly with each new stanza! This isn't just a poem but a beautiful STORY that makes me feel ensconced in the outdoors and everything that's appealing in nature! VERY enjoyable read, this Swap Quattrain! Thank you for the delight this evening...and WELCOME AT LONG LAST TO BEING ABLE TO POST!!!! Thanks for having been so patient while The Glitch of All Glitches was fixed!!! No one but you would have been so true-blue. No wonder I adore you so. xoxox
5/29/2026
The Words That Got to Me
"A tiny voice that brings me great cheer;" It's simple, but it feels honest and unpretentious. "That will lessen my sadness for future days;" That little glimpse of personal sadness gives the poem emotional weight. "Upon this land, when cloaked with freezing snow, How does this small songster survive to know That spring's warmth will arrive and take its stand" There is something universally appealing about this reflection. It moves beyond observing a bird and becomes a meditation on endurance and hope.
Suggestions / Possible Tweaks
The poem occasionally leans towards explaining feelings rather than letting the imagery do all the work. For example: "That will lessen my sadness for future days;" works because it is personal and specific. By comparison: "My spirits are lifted; I do not balk;" feels a little more like the poem telling us how to feel rather than showing us. Similarly: "That asks for nothing but heals me with grace." expresses the theme clearly, but the healing has already been demonstrated through the imagery.
This is such a warm and reflective poem, Diane. The movement from weariness to renewal is so gently handled. You bring a peace and a grace to it. Your observation is the real strength of the poem, that encounter with the doe and fawn is one of the emotional high points of the whole poem. Trust in your imagery and descriptive observation more. You have a great skill with both, so allow your readers room to think and enjoy. This poem left me feeling calm and peacefully satisfied.