© By Ariana Strozzi Mazzucchi, 2016

You raised me too close to the forest and open spaces 

Where deer and rabbits run their races. 

I caught a glimpse of the hawk’s glance 

And the way the water skeeters prance.

The CALL of the wild too strong to resist 

My free spirit does persist.

*****

My boots chalked with mud 

My dusty jacket like a wet rug 

I jump on my mare and head for the hills 

The appeal too strong to live within the frills.

Wild and free I am.

Wild and free I AM!

As I run with the deer, the hawk flys near.

Together we find balance in the thicket and grass 

Sending prayers of compassion to those that trespass.

*****

May those whose hearts closed long ago

Hear the CALL OF THE WILD

and let their imagination come out to play 

And in this wildness find a new way. 

(excerpted from Ariana's book, "The Water Calls, One Woman's Journey to Reclaim her Dignity and Freedom.