A Day In the Forest

I sat on a fallen oak; she was huge; I cannot imagine the sound she made as she fell. What had conquered her? Was it lightning? A bulldozer? No evidence of either. There was a tiny brook if I followed the rocks. I sat in the sun for a while first. The oak seemed glad for my company. I was in no hurry; it was a lazy summer day. My dogs had run off; all but one. I have twelve; one always stays to guard me. Lucky and I headed toward the brook. She laid down in the cool sand. I sat and stared at the tiny minnows and miniscule things in the water. The water was cold; I took a drink of it; it was more refreshing than store bought water. There was a weird sound; a cough. I spied the white tail of a frightened deer. Lucky did not move, recognizing this as her domain. She bound out of sight, bringing the thicket to my attention. I felt something watching me; an animal or a forest spirit. The sun was barely coming through the treetops; they were high up. I sat in the shade and collected little rocks from the brook. Each one had a story to tell and a personality to share. It was a lovely day; I cherish this memory.