Striding ahead on Pine Trail

in Powhatan State Park,

energized by cooler air,

I almost trip and fall,

and am reminded that

I might be missing that

for which I have come,

so Luna and I

stop, look, and listen.

A canopy of trees overhead

keeps us almost dry

as the gentle rain hits

leaves far above

and plops on those below.

I see wet and glistening

Sassafras, and

shy, striped Wintergreen,

soft green moss,

and a path strewn

with rusty pine needles.

I hear birds chattering

to their neighbors

and squirrels foraging.

Only a distant plane

interrupts the peace

that comes to those

walking in the woods.

Who could ask for more?

Right here, right now,

I have everything I need.