Heartland Poem by Elizabeth Shield

I loved you in the sunlight
An open-faced land, bright and beautiful.
In the golden hours you allured me.
Cool breezes, pine boughs, and fragrant petals
were your offering.
I lay down in the cool of your earth,
and woke to the dulcet sound of bells.
Your streets welcomed me,
and there I roamed...
many precious hours in contentment spent.
Now I watch you fly away.
Your rivers glisten like golden ribbons
in the afterglow of the day.
Sheathed in clouds, I catch only glimpses.
But I can still remember how you taste;
like nectar and strength.
In my minds eye you are there,
beckoning.

Call me back to you and I will come.
I will not hesitate, beloved land,
I will fairly fly.
Until then: goodbye.