Breathe the clouded air of the green land.
Dancing dryad of privileged position.
Upon the twisted branches do you stand.
You beckon me forth with your hand.
Inviting my reason to take a brief vacation.
Breathe the clouded air of the green land.
Walking towards you the forest seems to expand.
Through the trees I chase you with determination.
Upon the twisted branches do you stand.
Though the point I do not understand,
To discover I have made this my mission.
Breathe the clouded air of the green land.
I climb up your tree so grand.
You smile with a bemused disposition.
Upon the twisted branches do you stand.
Unable to climb further, I understand what you planned.
Fused to your tree ever after, I only fear decomposition.
Breathe the clouded air of the green land.
Upon my twisted branches do you stand.
Hans van Wyk
Hans van Wyk is a young man currently living in Wichita, Kansas. He grew up in the Cascade Mountains in Washington state. The wondrous natural beauty of his birthplace installed a deep appreciation for the natural world in him. From a young age, he was also captivated by mythology, history, and works of fantasy. These interests would sustain him throughout his life.
He began writing poetry in the third grade. His poetry was first recognized for its quality when he was 8 years old. As the runner up in a regional poetry contest, he was invited to read at the Miller Theater in Seattle. Eight years later, he later read his poetry at the Redmond Poetry Festival.
Eight years after the festival, he submitted his poetry to Coreopsis. “The Green Land” is his first published poem.
Hans Janos Benyshek van Wyk, 2022.