How I Go to the Woods 

Ordinarily, I go to the woods alone, 
with not a single friend, 

for they are all smilers and talkers 
and therefore unsuitable. 

I don’t really want to be witnessed talking to the catbirds 
or hugging the old black oak tree. 

I have my way of praying, as you no doubt have yours. 

Besides, when I am alone I can become invisible. 

I can sit on the top of a dune as motionless as an uprise of weeds,
until the foxes run by unconcerned. 

I can hear the almost 
unhearable sound of the roses singing. 

If you have ever gone to the woods with me, 
I must love 
you very much. 

–Mary Oliver