The Well-Travelled Trail - Nov 6 2023

 

The Well-Travelled Trail

Nov 6 2023

Well-travelled

and mostly flat

it seemed an easy path.

But heavy erosion

has worn away the soil

left roots and rocks exposed.

Which are even more treacherous

In the low light of dusk

under over-arching trees.

Tough roots

thick as fire hoses

knuckle up from the ground

and snake across the path.

The late September wetness

has left the bark slick;

one badly placed step

and you’re down.

The rocks are invisible, irregular.

Well-weathered

and covered in lichens and moss

they are easily lost in the murk.

Even worse,

a wet mat of leaves

blankets the earth

in a tapestry of browns.

Roots and rocks are camouflaged,

shadows meld.

Well-travelled

and mostly flat

it's the path of least resistance.

The one you always choose,

because the easy way out

is just too tempting.

But vulnerable, as well

to a lapse in attention;

lulled into complacency,

lost in thought,

tempted to make speed.

Who knew

that just like that

the earth would reach out

with a thickly gnarled arm

and take you down.

That as night was falling

unexpectedly fast,

and the cold

starting to toy with you,

unable to get up

and all on your own.