Today after work, I took my worries
and my two dogs
out back behind our house.
I crossed two creeks
and climbed through the woods
past the imaginary line
that defines our five acres.
The stinging nettle and salmonberry
had gotten a jump on the weather.
Made me wonder if the peace
I was looking for could be found
in the thorns and brambles.
-------
Leaning against an alder
at the edge of the pond,
smooth bark against my back,
I noticed that I sat down
on a clump of bleeding hearts.
Trampled into the ground,
yet still beautiful somehow.
A lesson there if I'm willing to learn.
Sitting with my face toward the sun,
eyes closed, breathing deeply.
Listening to the stillness.
There, I found myself
closer to the peace I was seeking.
But not quite.
------
Walking back along the trail,
with the light fading,
a rickety wooden table catches my eye.
"Tea for Two" is the name we have
given this place.
For my young neighbor Willow, it is magical --
where forest fairies leave trinkets
and treasures for her to find.
A small glass vase sits on the table,
it was empty when I walked by earlier,
Now it is filled with woodland flowers.
A kindness left for me to find
exactly when I needed it most.
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