All of your senses are on full alert
When you walk alone in the deep pine woods.
You have to watch where you put your feet,
Look out ahead to see what might be watching you.

This morning there's a coolness in the shade
And a steamy heat in the sun.
A light rain of pine needles has  begun to fall.

Blazing stars are spurting out of their stalks
And lovely white meadow beauties form a carpet.
Butterflies are everywhere.

I hear the wind.
It's glorious.
It feeds the wildness within me
And makes me stronger.

         ejw ~ August, 2016, a note I recorded on an old phone while walking in the Longleaf woods