In Gods Country

The leaves crunch under my feet as I walk. Admiring my forest for the hundredth time. Loving it that deer bound away flashing me with their tails. Sometimes white, sometimes black. The red berries are coming out full force. Sun trying to reach them in slivers through oaks. My dog bounds away, chasing squirrel probably. Autumn is a gorgeous time in my magical woods. Faeries and brownies hide fast under mushrooms As they sense my arrival. I sense them too, but I do not call them out. Realizing their wish to be anonymous and subtle. Dog is back, with happy dog grin, teeth showing. Jumps into brisk lake. I walk faster, trying to get away. She shakes herself off with a madness that could reach me. I am cozy, dry. Wet, not so much. Wrens, robins, and cardinals flit around, to stay out of my way. I am a human, possibly an enemy. They disappear. The shadows of the forest reach in a variety of directions. It is dark, but will lighten up in an hour or so. Daily walk with my dog, nothing like it. Feeling comfortable, safe, and well-loved. In God’s country. I bend to look at violet. She is perking up in the dewy grass.