It was a tepid and breezy Autumn afternoon, a day like no other. As I was walking slowly on the soft earth, I stood amazed by what nature’s bounty had to offer. The grass glimmered like shards of emeralds, and there was piles of leaves on the ground that were an array of colors that ranged from bright orange, to rich velvet brown. Fall, it seems, really is a cornucopia of lush earthen coloration.

There was an abrupt left on the carved-out path I was walking on and I arrived at a dense forest. Slowly I walked up to the tall and intimidating trees, not with caution, but with curiosity. I took in the astonishing sight of the different varieties of plant life within the forest. My soul ached and demanded that I stay and explore my surroundings.

I bent down and untied my scuffed up sneakers and then slipped them off. I also removed my ratty socks. It must have rained recently because the soil felt squishy and malleable between my toes. I felt like a kid again.

A heavy wind rolled in and whipped through my thick ebony tresses. It also caused the multicolored leaves on the trees to sway, creating an orchestra of nature. The sound of the wind created an exquisite auditory sensation to build up in my ears. It sounded like home.

I came upon a bright crimson plant which stood at about six feet tall, a foot taller than me. Sprawling around this massive plant were leaves the size of dinner plates that were decorated with quarter sized orange spheres. I leaned in to smell this incredible yet strange plant, and lightly pressed my button nose against one of the sightly leaves. I inhaled slowly and the most delightful sweet aroma filled my nostrils. The smell was of crisp apple combined with newly blossomed roses and honeydew. I was curious if this plant felt as wonderful as it looked and smelled.

I reached out my pale white hand, which was yearning to caress the delicate leaf, and to my surprise it felt as smooth as satin. My senses became overwhelmed by this spectacular plant that I needed to withdraw my touch before I would become faint.

I continued to walk barefoot across the damp earth. I must have been walking for what seemed hours, but I didn’t care. This magical forest was so peaceful. I could live here.