A Walk in the Woods - June 7 2025

 

A Walk in the Woods

June 7 2025

It's a long steep trail

through dense terrain.

Rocks and roots

ambush me

like trip-wires.

Too often, large obstacles

like rotting logs and fallen trees

block my way.

Thickly needled branches

drape across the path;

I push through

sweeping with my hands,

as if wading hip-deep

through a fast-moving stream.

In the shadows

small pools lurk

in still black camouflage.

As if the path has been booby-trapped

for unwary shoes.

So I walk looking down,

only taking in the view

when stopping for rest.

It’s too hot to hike,

at least for a sensible man.

Sweat drips in my eyes

new sneakers pinch.

Nevertheless, I persist.

Clouds of mosquitoes

swarm my head.

Like winged predators

armed with hypodermic needles

they probe my defences

and siphon-up my blood;

even their chainsaw buzz

is weaponized.

I slap at them angrily

and the dogs snap haphazardly

futile as it is.

But they also scoot through the underbrush

cleverly sweeping them off.

Good dog, I think to myself

a little envious.

They say a walk in the woods

does a man good.

That getting out of your head

is therapeutic.

That adversity

builds character.

So I walk

trying not fall

ignoring the bugs.

But the moment doesn’t come;

there is no transcendence

revelation

inner calm.

Just gratitude

to have it done with.

And for some reason I can’t explain

determination

to do it again.