My Walk and The Poem

You know how I love my after supper walks. A few nights ago I took another after I realized how long it had been. It amazes me – every time – how I can walk the same road and see new things. Or, perhaps I should say, my mind wanders in new directions. This time poetry tapped me on the shoulder and I got this down almost before I had my sneakers off. So here’s a peek into my evening.

Back Road

I walked the back road tonight

while the sun tugged the sky away

Houses huddling against the tree line

gray fox dashes away there ahead of me

glancing back quick

The air silken and sweet

all ready for the buck moon rising

Calling from around the corner

a deep patch of fragrant red clover

I stoop to pick three

Blackbirds greet me at the bend

aware but not looking

pecking bits from the ground

I get too close

off they go!

Thorny blackberry branches reaching

for the last sunny rays

winter’s not far – don’t think that!

Mr. squirrel, that scamp

of the woods, scurrying away

Now at the crossroads

where a neighbor planted pines

giant sentinels saluting the

cautious  remnants of a summer day

God’s royal guards

The house is not far now

waiting for me, solid and still

glad that I’m returning

clover in hand and already

sighing for tomorrow

Image: Free Digital Photos