This poem is a draft for my next book in which it will be profusely illustrated with photographs of trees and tree spirits - beings captured in the form, colour and pattern of ancient trees.

Recently, my wife, Christine Connelly and I staged an exhibition of her textile art in support of trees. Included were a few of my photographs of tree creatures. Several visitors commented that they would never see a tree the same again. Without a deeper connection with nature, we will never be able to create a sustainable future. So this book, like my efforts to define a new worldview in "The Science of Oneness" (published in 2006), will be a contribution to creating a better future.

Great Pan
Green Man
Inspiration of the woods!

You reveal yourself to few
yet touch the hearts of many
with Pantheistic awe
Panic fear
or love in a Panegyric.

Christians tried to bury you
‘neath their churches and their sin
but like the Son of God
you rose again.
Your face long forgotten
in church and cathedral
now peers at new pilgrims
seeking your groves.

Great Pan!

You touch my shoulder
and beckon me to your woods
where ancient trees
bespeak me as I wander.

The Deva of each species
has a quality all its own
that flows from secret places
deeper far than genes.
The maternal beech
The kingly oak
The loving yew
Loving you.

Within this devic aura
dwell the spirits of each tree
taking many guises
if you’ve heart and eye to see.

Look out for them in hollow boles
and the scars of boughs long gone
in swirling burls and lightning slashes
and the texture of peeling bark.

Watch for them
in pattern and colour
and lichens’ abstract art.
Or catch a glimpse
from the corner of an eye
in the play of dappling light.

These beings invite us and incite us
to join their joyful dance.
To commune and reflect
and deeply connect
with their nature spirit realm.

So with open eyes
and loving hearts
and gentle caressing hands
let’s step through the veil
of our unbelief
and join their motley band.