waters flowing, rippled glass
wander the bank past trees and rocks
stop and stare –
chipmunks play amid grass and ivy
robin mother feeds her young
cool breeze caresses my skin
relax to the subtle sounds

hours pass, spirit heals
kick off shoes and wade through the creek
watch and wonder –
mud wraps around toes
crawdads scurry from overturned rocks
water tickles my skin
escape for a little while

leaving soon, live for this moment
climb over rocks to lay on the boulder
pause and reflect –
colors glow with life
dragonfly hovers close
sunshine warms my skin
wish I never had to leave

still tranquil, time to go
scramble up the bank to grab the bike
look and see –
houses rush by on either side
pedals spinning above the asphalt
sweat beads cold on my skin
please make them not be home