The following content is a recorded experience from a moments in time spent within the wraps of Nature, with an old friend. The work is a derivative of early morning walks along a seven-mile trek exploring everything from plant and tree roots upwards to the understory of all vegetation reaching to the highest peak of the tallest tree. Hours were spent sitting in meditation surrounded by the arms of Creation, listening to the voices of the wilderness. From time to time I write about these moments in the form of short essays, haibun or haiku. My original intention was topublish this in a book but instead:

I think I will just write.

 

Winter has extended its reach into the south, a bit overdue but typical for this region. Nothing harsh like our neighbors living in the north.

Nature had prepared for the arrival. The fallen leaves on the ground is a visible indication. The mums and winter camellias are blooming and the forest weeds have all died turning back into the abyss to await for another spring to return.

It’s fun to watch nature at work season after season. All without any direction or help. The winter hawks have returned and have found their familiar mating spot, the cold weather sparrows and migrating warblers seek their old haunts. The returning waterfowl finding pleasure in a warmer liquid bath rather than a frozen skating rink and of course the majestic eagles are well into their own business of raising their young to send off into the unknown world.

The neighbors garden surely is delighted as the cold enhances the taste of the planted greens. Sweetening that bitter taste left on the palette when grown during warm days.

The summers seasonal insects, the mosquitoes, flies, and gnats do not survive in cooler temperature and have disappeared, making a walk in the woods or a quiet afternoon sitting outside more enjoyable.

I sit on a make shift stool (the ground is too cold) under the wild hickory tree, no need to be cautious of falling nuts that takes place during winter preparation time. All that falls from it now is a withered leaf from time to time, dropping gently and finding a place in its next cycle. The woods are full of nature’s charm and entertainment, refreshing for the observing mind.

I continue to watch with a careful eye all the wonderful phenomenon that takes place around me.

DK