12 – A Walk In The Woods

 

By Carrillee Collins Burke

Snow fell softly the night I walked into the woods.

Light from the whiteness around me guided my steps
over the same path deer forged on fleeing feet
to a clearing where animals rested and birds ate
seeds from wild grass dried brown from winter’s wrath.

Rabbits huddled in the bush and squirrels
dug for hidden acorns.
Bright red cardinals trimmed snow-laden pines.
Mistletoe hung high among rusty leaves
of an old oak tree. Snow covered my boots
as I stood motionless blind to the many eyes
I knew watched me.

I turned my face toward the lacy snowflakes
designed by a heavenly artist
and felt pure contentment with myself
and everything around me.

Time took a breath
as I enjoyed my very own moment
in this serene place. My moment
to treasure.