Contrary to the Bone

I’m sure my first words As a child were “No!” Followed soon after by “Why?” But I only really realized today, A bit surprisingly Given my 66 years On this earth, That I dislike following Either other’s directions But particularly other’s trails Obviously wishing instead To find my own way Changing it as it changes Moment by moment. And it’s been over fifty years now That I’ve been able to make my own way For better or worse, Although we all know The journey is always better Than the goal. Today I hiked into view A wild and remote local canyon And it only became enjoyable Once I was free to wander Willy-nilly up the open Rocky and grassy slope of one side Meandering between shade spots, But the first mile or so Following a cattle and game trail Through a forest Was more a chore Than what it’s like to explore. And that’s the key word And key experience here Exploring All the things it means to be An independent individual. All the things it means to be Alive. (5/28/25)