Narada Falls to Reflection Lakes, January 2021

Best hiking buddy,

in the woods, ascending a 

quiet, snowy path.

Boren Lookout, April, 2020

Turning point.

I feel my heart beating,

measure of effort for my mind and body.  

A cue to end and go back.

The rain.

Misty drops find my skin.

Elements give me physical touch,

are reminders of what I ache for. 

Going down,

I pass the lookout park,

rest here, 

look across the lake,

see the foothills

where you wait.

Sensation of your hand fades from mine,

The space between us measured in miles. 

Your eyes

Will they meet mine again?

My hope trapped in time,

this distance cannot be measured.

Boren Lookout, January 2021

We begin the route together,

your stride long, mine shorter.

Our tempos vary, sync,

energy flow connects us. 

Close enough, I extend my hand, 

suspended in air. Time 

lifts me forward on the path 

to touch you.

Our self-guided tour reveals    

red sasanqua camellia, blooms bright, 

and pale pink cherry, 

hope of spring.

We look up

as January birds soar from the south.

Cloud cover, bright silver,

like your hair as I run my fingers through.