Old trees surround me
as I begin my daily promenade on
this woodland path nearby in
the softly setting sun beneath the
bright blue autumn sky.

I see the path before me.
I put each foot one
before the other
not too fast for I should miss
some small creature, plant or
event I would be privileged to witness.

The trees rise high above me,
with a whispering sound,
their leaves of gold,
red, and brown falling
gently to the ground.

I witness other woodland life.
A busy squirrel gathering his
winter acorns and such
takes a moment to caper and play.

Presently, I hear a woodpecker rat a tat tat,
the echo continues long after that.

Colorful birds skim a stream
which may flow near
where standing still as a statue
is a small spotted deer.

Perhaps an elderly gentleman
on his jaunt as well
lifts his hat as he passes this way
you exchange a pleasant
‘good day’.

I will return here another
day to experience more
of this wonderful woodland path.