North Country explorer from Warren, Vermont
Past and future vied in my head for control Reflection gave way to speculation In turn overcome by updated schedules, itineraries, etc., etc. My feet may have navigated the root-strewn tread, but my mind was occupied by states, cities, other countries-- in short, everywhere but here. My stride did not break when the deer bounded across the path. We both maintained our trajectories, assured by experience that there would be no collision, Yet though neither set of limbs deviated course, no flesh met fur, no fingers grazed spine, my attention became magnetically attached to my companion. How white its tail was, and so erect like a starched handkerchief poking self-importantly out of a gentleman's back pocket. Its hind legs too seemed curiously humanoid-- comparable, I imagined, to my own muscles now working in concert. Before I could stare further the velvet figure disappeared weaving around more and more distant trees until with one goodbye flick of the handkerchief it was gone. In sight and sound the scene became as it had been seconds before: river in front, small rustles in the canopy overhead. But the difference was that I noticed them this time: the skittering squirrels, the scent of decomposing needles, the whistles of sports practice to my right, the stagnant air of water-saturated soil to my far left. I was in that moment steeped in the present, empty for once of internal chatter and able to enjoy the place and time of now.
Comments
Sarah Neilson
I love this!!
Posted: