Ravine

Feb 10 2020

In the secluded ravines

in this city of rivers

it might as well be wilderness.

Or at least a simulacrum

of untouched nature.

If I ignore the occasional light

visible through the trees

the faint hum of traffic,

imagine this path unplowed

its deep and trackless snow.

As we walk

the dogs have caught the scent of deer

and are porpoising through the drifts

with their usual frantic joy,

as if they'd know what to do

with a large wild ungulate

schooled in survival.

On a cloudless night

when the moon is full

and the air cold and still.

The ghostly lunar light,

white on white on snow

its shadows sharply cut.

I am surprised

at the height of the trees here,

as if this has always been a refuge

the loggers left untouched,

or a flood-prone valley

settlers prudently shunned.

It feels like a snow-globe

after its snow had settled out,

a perfect version of winter

beneath a crystal dome.

A place where all is still

except for us.

Who are also alone.

Not the alone of crowds

where you walk unseen

and unacknowledged.

But the alone where you feel exalted

and at one with your surroundings;

intruders

whose presence is welcome, for now

as long as they do not overstay

and leave things as they found them.

The dogs have returned to the path

where they are sniffing madly

at scents I could never detect.

They are wolves again,

an eager pack of two

following their noses.

Hungry deer

who are surely lying low.

Who followed this wilderness corridor

into the city's heart,

spooked by cars

confused by roads.

But whose instincts serve them well,

prey animals

wary of dogs

concealing themselves.

We have our usual walks. And, as a creature of habit, I'm generally content with that. But last night, I stumbled upon a whole new area of town that, surprisingly, is literally 5 minutes from my door. The dogs, who are excited by novelty, were thrilled. And I found it a beautiful night for a late walk: a clear sky, a full moon, and cold enough to feel energized, but with warm enough feet and hands. What a privileged feeling to find this wilderness, and to experience it alone, in the heart of the city. Especially on a winter night, when there is this quality of stillness that makes the place feel eternal; and your presence, somehow, slightly unreal.