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Observations In the Meadow

Time for a walk in the meadow to clear my head
I got up rather early and jumped out of bed,
A quick cup of coffee and a small piece of toast
I must get on my way before the sun will roast.
The finches and tanagers are already chirping,
The brown thrashers are diligently searching
For ripe berries and seeds in the undergrowth.
I see up ahead the mother deer and fawn both
Foraging at the edge of the distant tree line,
Ready to jump out of sight, and that’ll be fine.
I’ve seen lots of butterflies, even a few monarchs
Now an endangered species, unlike meadowlarks
Flitting here and yon, insectivorous grassland birds
No ability to fly like hummingbirds do backwards.
What a sight, seeing a skunk out before the heat
I keep my distance, ready to make a hasty retreat,
But, he pays me no mind while searching for grub
I’m making my way through tall grass and shrub.
My feet getting wet, I hadn’t expected much dew
I realize too late that I’ve worn the wrong shoe!
My spirits are lifted and I’ve much food for thought
The sun is mid to morning and I have what I sought
A refreshing walk and, now, I can face the day
Even if my peace is disturbed by a squawking bluejay!

Written July 26, 2022

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Caren Krutsinger Date: 7/30/2022 9:20:00 AM I would also keep my distance from this one "What a sight, seeing a skunk out before the heat" - tiny but potent! Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 7/30/2022 10:55:00 AM They are, indeed. We had a dog mess it up with a skunk one time, and I thought we'd never get the odor out of him.

Linda Alice Fowler Date: 7/27/2022 6:05:00 PM Darn those blue jays! Nice walking with you Milt. :) Linda Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 7/27/2022 6:45:00 PM Thank you so much, Linda. Yes, the jays can be feisty.

Michael Tor Date: 7/26/2022 4:21:00 PM Nothing like a morning walk to enjoy nature's pleasantries. Your Couplet was relaying your keen eye for all the animals you noticed and enjoy watching. A refreshing write to experience at the start of the day. My wife and I, Milton go to our favorite road. Truebrook rd, there are beautiful streams there that are found along the road and the wildlife is abundant there. We go for a scenic ride at least once a week. It is an escape mechanism. I sense this escape as I read this. Thanks for taking me. Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 7/26/2022 7:18:00 PM Thank you, Michael. I'm glad to hear that you and your wife enjoy these excursions. They are relaxing and encouraging.

Tom Cunningham Date: 7/26/2022 1:22:00 PM You take the reader on a wonderful stroll through the countryside Milton. It revives the dropping spirits, I'm lucky having left city life over thirty years ago and surrounded by beautiful countryside and as well as walking I often go cycling in the lanes. Tom Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 7/26/2022 7:19:00 PM Tom, Deb and I made a trip to England and drove on up to Wales and Scotland. We spent an afternoon in Lower Slaughter. She had been in your neighborhood on an earlier trip to Dover and the Shakespeare sites. I have not been there. Tom Cunningham Date: 7/26/2022 2:21:00 PM Live about half an hour from there, a beautiful place. Our town Evesham is on the edge of the Cotswolds and about half hour from Stratford On Avon, home of the bard. L Milton Hankins Date: 7/26/2022 1:55:00 PM Where you live reminds me of Lower Slaughter, Tom. I have a two small pictures of it on my mantle. If you live there, it's a lovely part of England. Thanks for the compliment.

Ilene Bauer Date: 7/26/2022 12:25:00 PM sounds like a wonderful morning, milton! glad you got to experience it and share it with us! Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 7/26/2022 12:30:00 PM Thank you, Ilene. Always a pleasure!

Jenna Logan Date: 7/26/2022 11:59:00 AM Blue Jays can get quite loud and feisty. I felt like I was taking that morning walk with you, Milt, whispering while pointing out the animals we saw so we didn't scare them. Next time, don't forget to wear the right shoes. Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 7/26/2022 1:55:00 PM Methinks you are absolutely correct, Jenna. Jenna Logan Date: 7/26/2022 12:38:00 PM I did a little ranting yesterday. There are times when they are needed to cleanse the palette of the bitterness we taste in others. L Milton Hankins Date: 7/26/2022 12:31:00 PM You are so right, Jenna. I should know that an early morning dew will soak canvas shoes. Hope you're doing well. I was on a rant this morning, but this walk in the meadow helped clear my mind.