Once Upon a Forest Walk

The forest is cool, inviting. I look for small wildflowers in lush grasses growing beneath the trees. Sunlight streams in shafts and there is birdsong, birdsong and delicate ferns on gentle banks. Soon, I see a pathway that winds beside a clear stream. The roots from the trees reach toward the water etching deep ruts . Large rocks decorate the edges -mark the curves that beckon beckon me to follow on. A large puddle appears, blocking the path. I take off my shoes and paddle through enjoying the squishy mud. Suddenly, a bear - I STOP, watch it foraging for berries. With caution, I back, silently away to let it follow the terrain onward to its cave and hibernation. Something sparkles on the ground - I stoop- pick it up. It is a long key with a open circled end. I put it in my pocket thinking it will make an interesting ornament. At the end of the path, I find a rustic cottage with high garden gates, banks of rhododendrons. A secluded hideaway. There is neatness, order to the whole scene. smoke rises from a chimney into clouds overhead. I pull out the key. It sparkles temptingly.