Woods, Meadows, and Fence by Gary Bowling

The landscape, drenched in gold from the setting sun, is the perfect picture of tranquility. The mysterious woods stand as a shelter from the viscid openness of the meadow. The meadow seems to expand and disappear from sight at the horizon.  Not a soul is around to hinder the peace and flawlessness of such a place. This is the type of escape people dream of, to break away from the loud noise of the city.

The city, full of racket and people running everywhere; it’s hard to find a place to quietly think. Solitude and privacy is hard to acquire in such a populated area, but not so in the meadow! Oh the meadow is the unspoiled silence. Truly silence is golden, like the sun. The only thing to hear is the soft breeze blowing over the land and the rustling of foliage as animals journey over their abode. You are left there with your thoughts, with your heart.

Such a place is rare, as cities and people impede on the land, taking the meadows for their own benefit, and cutting down the woods for their own uses.  Soon, it seems all the land would be one large settlement of mankind. The fence is just the beginning of mankind’s print on the land, hopefully it’s the last.

However, the love and the want for a little piece of “the olden days” will remain in the hearts of all. Searching to find the spot that seemingly is untouched by human’s selfishness. Where the plants and animals live like they should, in a clean and seemingly perfect setting. This is the land people dream about, poets write about, and artist paint. Nature is truly ideal. 

The folowing is a poem that I wrote that the painting inspired:

Oh please, let me get away from the city,

From the streets and people that are gritty,

To a place that is quiet and pretty.

Where the road ends and trails start.

Where the scent of flowers fill the air,

Away from the eyes of those who stare,

A place where I don’t have to have a care.

That place would have my heart.

The woods provide seekers shade,

As the sun warms up the glade.

The hectic stress begins to fade

As happiness starts to increase.

As the sun sets, it cast all in gold.

Its sight is too perfect to be told.

Its beauty just begins to unfold,

To those who seek peace.

-By Emily Van Nostrand