A Walk To the River

A scarlet tanager sits primly on the rail Of the new fence erected near the meadow, He eyes me stroll as I take in every detail The path to the woodland is rather narrow, Infrequently used, it is rapidly overgrowing I am brushing against the yellow yarrow, As hottest of summer is fast approaching The meadowland has nary a cooling shadow. Happily, I note the salt lick has disappeared I hope its purposes were well-intentioned, Certainly not as the hunter’s ploy, I feared In a previous post, I am sure I mentioned. I feel the coolness of the pleasant breeze As I approach the edge of the tree line Where meadow gives way to aspen trees, And further on, a stand of taller pine. I shall follow the trail through the wood To the river which I can faintly hear, ahead Where I saw a huge buck in full manhood, And I have seen signs of where he bed. It is a good two-mile hike, not exhausting But I stop to examine new growth along And for moments to reflect, I am pausing, I’m encouraged by the tanager’s song.
Written June 18, 2022
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

Poem

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Hawkins Avatar
June 20, 2022 at 9:24 PM
Gershon says it all in his comments to you, Milt. Tranquil and peaceful, Thank you. I hope all went well for you on the 19th, Milt. I hope you can rest and take things easy for a while. Best Wishes, Shirley.
Hankins Avatar
June 21, 2022 at 11:59 AM
Thanks, Shirley. Just got home from the hospital. The surgery went very well. Going to rest. Really appreciate your comment.
Foster Avatar
June 20, 2022 at 12:06 PM
Two-mile... perfect... for a bit of fun. A lovely poem, full of incredible imagery.
Hankins Avatar
June 21, 2022 at 12:00 PM
Thanks so much, Ann. I love my meadow stroll poems, too. Everyone deserves such a place, real or imaginary.
Tor Avatar
June 19, 2022 at 10:15 PM
Your words Milton have created a favorite place for me to experience. This wonderful piece reminds me of exploring the countryside and seeing the beauty God has created all around us to experience, enjoy, escape. When reading this I realized you had found that special place, to always go back to. God bless you...
Hankins Avatar
June 20, 2022 at 4:37 AM
Thank you so much, Michael. Yes, there is such peace in this place. Thank you so much for the FAVE.
Tor Avatar
June 19, 2022 at 10:16 PM
Ps also a favorite for me...
Ibeh Avatar
June 19, 2022 at 1:28 PM
Such a mesmerizing poem, Milt:-) It was an enjoyable read! Happy Father's Day, my friend.
Hankins Avatar
June 19, 2022 at 2:05 PM
Thanks so much, Edward. Happy Father's Day to you, too.
Wolf Avatar
June 18, 2022 at 8:27 PM
How wonderful to read such a delightful poem from someone who truly stops to smell the roses. A gem and a treat. Thanks, Milt.
Hankins Avatar
June 19, 2022 at 8:13 AM
Thanks so much, gw. Do yourself a favor and find a place where you can go to stroll, relax, and simply enjoy the smell of fresh air. My place is fictional, but it wasn't always so. I have always had a "favorite" place.
Buehler Avatar
June 18, 2022 at 8:12 PM
Milton, I very much enjoyed the pleasant, peaceful and lovely images evoked by this poem. I have always loved going for walks out in nature, so your walk to the river truly resonates with me. Blessings, Evelyn :)
Hankins Avatar
June 19, 2022 at 8:14 AM
Thanks, Evelyn. Always enjoy and be inspired by the gifts God gives to us in nature. Happy Sunday to you!
Krutsinger Avatar
June 18, 2022 at 7:13 PM
The tanager's song has made me feel excited and happy; joyful even, Hank.
Hankins Avatar
June 18, 2022 at 7:34 PM
Thank you. I hope you have them in Kansas. They love to nest in the fence rows and sit on a post and sing. Exquisitely beautiful birds.
Logan Avatar
June 18, 2022 at 6:07 PM
The path you walk, physically, sounds beautiful, and your imagery has the reader walking along side of you. The path you walk in other walks of life ain't bad either. Handsome photographs of you on Amazon. ;)
Logan Avatar
June 18, 2022 at 7:26 PM
I'm glad they were there.
Hankins Avatar
June 18, 2022 at 6:36 PM
OMG. I forgot my picture was on there. Well, I'm happy someone was looking at my books!
Poet Avatar
June 18, 2022 at 3:25 PM
Milt, it was a very wonderfully crafted poem, and you are absolutely right, nothing beats feeling at one with creation. You lead directly on a leisurely meander through the forest. This is one of my faves, so kudos to you. And thanks for your comment on my page.
Hankins Avatar
June 18, 2022 at 6:37 PM
You're very welcome, Lasaad. Thanks for your thoughtful comment.
Cunningham Avatar
June 18, 2022 at 3:07 PM
You take the reader on a gentle stroll through the woods, nothing beats being at one with nature. Tom
Hankins Avatar
June 18, 2022 at 6:37 PM
Thanks, Tom. I love these trips through the meadow. I'm just afraid my strolls will become monotonous after a while.
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