One Eyelash at a Time

I sat down on the
trail this day, legs bushed
spirit sagging; leaned back, breathed
in a rush of sky. As I pondered
my next step two squirrels
chased by. Love in action the
only observation possible.
Why else would two furry
creatures disturb the solemnity
of the moment? Today is but a

whisper as a young doe slid from the
forest head first, then into
full view accepting my silence;
a snake slithers by my foot
and I shudder at its boldness;
wind tosses a ragged melody
through trees, scraping branches
joining the ensemble amid a
chorus of coyotes. An eagle swooped

and I cough, allowing escape
for all creatures not interested in
an invitation to lunch. The spell
broken, I return to the world of
mayhem, refreshed and prepared
to make a difference among the fold.

© Richard L. Provencher