as I stepped from the autumn meadow
into the autumn forest
there was a tangible shift in presence
a bit like stepping across a threshold and into another realm
my instincts kindled to the edge of my being and beyond
sound, light, life was alive with shadows and light
pausing to listen to the leaves falling from the aspen trees
landing on the leaf strewn forest floor
perhaps their final flight
surely in summer this would be a shady spot
refreshing on hot days
a cloak for elk bear and forest kin
on this hot autumn day
sunlight baths us all, no cloak
revealing where antlers have rubbed the trees
where grass lays down
where animals have walked and beds were made
sitting…. long enough that my breathing slows
nearly to the rhythm of a tree
I feel the forest invite me to wander more deeply within
its inner sanctuary
wandering, breathing, noting details
in an 8 foot circle of space
I count 11 piles of berry filled bear scat
an unusual find (that many piles in one space)
I respectfully depart back into the sun drenched meadow
under the beautiful blue sky
~
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