It is five in the morning and dark out,

I will walk when it is light.

The Sun is warming a

beautiful late October morning.

I feel my mood brighten as

I stroll the path and take solace

in mindfulness.

A neighbor nods with a smile and I nod with a smile.

Her dog nods with a bark and I nod with a bark.

I am at the point where the paths cross.

I flip a coin then go left.

I stop to rest, take a few deep breaths

and bury my face in my hands,

missing the long-ago spring in my step.

The ‘alarm’ call of a nearby Blue Jay

has me raise my head

to see her make the call again

and I whisper, thanks.

The leaves on the trees will soon turn and fall.

The Sun touches their fading green.

My eyes, wet with tears, close

and I let the tranquil forest

give solace to my anguish.

I let its’ peaceful surrender

become one with me.

My soul is touched and

my will to live buoyed.

I am steadfast

in the belief to hold on

and

when the strong breeze comes

to lift me to the sky

I will yield and whisper, bye.

*