A Hike in the Hardwoods
It all began simply enough
Today we will forsake the road
To walk along a hardwood trail
Quiet - to watch the color show.
I can’t explain-I’m worried so
It’s cold. I’m weak – my fears they grow
Wanting to go but yet I wait
As Jack moves on I slowly go.
The trail at first is hard to find
Through leaves and brush and creek we wind
Until at last the trail appears
Leaves crunch as we begin to climb.
Jack marches to a steady beat
And all around the colors they seem
Muted in the afternoon light
Fallen leaves crunch under our feet.
Jack remembers his childhood days
Shuffling the leaves in school boy ways
I recall grandma’s yard and tree
Houses made with leaves - a child’s game.
A steady pace along the trail
Filtered sun through the trees prevail
We shed our sweatshirt and jacket
The view is rich with such detail.
Golden mushrooms hide in the leaves
Big conches on the sides of trees
All around is yellow, gold, brown
Fallen leaves drift down on the breeze.
Small lakes hidden somewhere ahead
The trail becomes a muddy bed
Further on, they’re not to be found
We turn around, regret unsaid.
And find our way back down the path
Back to the car, back to the maps
Serenity surrounds this land
We walk away blessed by that.
10-10-10
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