On This Presummer Day

 

In the forest as we follow our two little dogs 

along cool woodland trails in the heat of a

pre-summer day there is the near sound of a

pileated woodpecker drumming rhythmically

and a chorus of crows we speculate may be

harassing a great barred owl. Dragonflies are

beginning to appear along with damselflies

bees and butterflies flitting in and around the 

forest understory. Robins here and there skittering 

comically about on the trails and the underbrush

before us, taking flight when our dogs approach too 

curiously close. We pass wild columbine, cinquefoil 

and bright daisies in bloom along the banks of the 

creek coursing through the ravine on this perfectly 

lovely day. On our return home our garden beckons 

to be admired and we  happily oblige, taken by the 

glorious sight of tamed nature orderly in a conceit of 

roses, irises, peonies and hostas flaunting their shapes 

and beguiling shades. Just as well we readily access 

both landscapes generous to a fault in offering us 

magnanimous pleasure in these treasured leisure 

years of our long lives together, you and I, my love.