Urban Haven

The oppressive heat of the
city streets falls away as we
descend the forested ravine trail
the distinctive call of a bluejay
welcoming us. Reaching the 
slowly flowing stream the trail
splits and we decide: left or right
as either choice leads to a 
bridge crossing the stream
where for each the trail rises
again to a higher point and
once again the choice of left-turn
right-turn confronts us. Sun
filters golden rays of light 
and heat through the leafy canopy
shielding us from midday
discomfort and a freshening breeze
casually sweeps aside insects
from their irritating intentions.
This is a day when nature
offers her benign face. There
are no intrusions to complicate
our casual pleasure. Wild apple
trees prematurely drop unripe
fruit, buttercups catch stray
sunbeams and radiate that energy
back to the sky while a pair of
circling hawks coasting on the
wind whistle their presence to
the small  furry creatures
cowering in the crotches of
evergreens, safe when still.