A Day in the Woods

Enjoying an autumn morning on the trails with my wife,
Close to nature, Close to each other, Close to God.
The sun melts the dew.
Day replaces night with the cool crisp breezes of morning.
The sun bursts into the morning sky.
The brilliance of autumn is revealed.
A canvas of color as light reflects off the landscape.
Wind rustles the leaves.
Mixtures of greens, yellows, reds, and oranges all fading to browns,
Leaves falling aimlessly,
Creating a carpet on the forest floor.
Leaves rattle.
A squirrel scampers and gathers, preparing for harder times.
A reminder of the constancy of time.
The sun rises higher in the sky.
The woodland landscape transforms to a grassland.
Trees yield their dominance to tall and short prairie grasses swaying in the afternoon breezes.
The vanishing canopy allows for the growth of shrubs and other prairie constants.
An area of activity for birds and other critters.
Stilled by fall migrations, the area quiets in preparation for winter.
Our hike is over.
The sun starts it descent.
We gather.
A time to share.
New findings,
New adventures,
New friends.
Calmness at dusk,
The fireball of day cools to shades of red, purple, and pink .
Night returns, cool, damp, and quiet.
Faint sounds of darkness.
Chirping crickets.
Some peeper, hanging on to Indian Summer.
Wood burning.
The crackling camp fire,
Sparkling ambers break the night chill.
The moon takes dominance of the sky,
Stars and planets complete the night time canvas.
Our adventure is complete.
The world is at PEACE.