STAR GAZING

I slip on the undergrowth covered with fallen dew and I feel myself falling, falling, falling….

I awake.

It is nighttime and the sliver of moonlight is dappled through the trees.

The stars, surrounding the galaxies, are shining as bright as a 50-watt torch in a dark, cold cave.

I gaze around my surroundings, and I discover that I am in a small valley with gigantic trees, at least 500 years old, towering above me.

Along the banks are thousands of tiny Glow Worms, shining like stars.

I make my way up the stream, back to the Kereru Whare and as I open the door, I stop to hear the New Zealand Morepork calling, its’ voice echoing through the forests at Mount Tutu Eco-Sanctuary.

“Morepork! Morepork! Morepork!”