Ode to Be

Birch slivers are more than
strands of beauty
marching along my path,
a collection of
pine and poplar joining
the parade. Life’s journey
like a stab of forest
visited often in a feast

of land. Deer and chick-a-dees,
meadow larks, hiking trails
a coyote acknowledging the
view. I am unlike
a stranger among them---they
tolerate me.

I am like a stir-fry among
a variety of vegetables,
not removed from the activity
of this ranch, llamas,
sheep and Dexter cows
seeking my gaze. Eeyore too
who rushes at me from his pen
braying set aside,
accepting my friendship.
A hand warm upon his face.

© Richard L. Provencher
Website: www.wsprog.com/rp/