woods

 

the air
its warm breeze
brushes my cheek
my shoulders
greeting the branches
as I walk by

the crunch of old leaves
thin branches 
have fallen
layer with old bark
to cushion my step
welcoming me to its path

this familiar walk
I have been on many times
in all seasons over the years
always something familiar
always something new too

the shade comforts 
trees sway in the wind
communicating old stories 
to the birds that fly towards them
to shelter all who walk there