Winter Trails

The mountain trail is beckoning on this bright winter’s day, The snow packed hard by the many hikers’ boots, Glistening under the sunny blue sky. Man’s best friend racing to and fro, A wide grin upon her face, if dogs could smile. I run down the path, careful around the icy parts Walking when out of breath, it had been a while. I feel the joy and freedom as I stretch my legs With each long stride, remembering the races On these very slopes, the many miles of training, The sheer pleasure of running like a child. Stopping, turning 360 degrees, gorgeous views Surround me from one end to the other, The frozen lake down below as I stand at the lookout. A seasoned couple glide by with poles and skis, A friendly greeting exchanged as I step aside. A stranger’s dog comes bounding over And, after a short nose to nose greeting, The race is on as they chase each other’s tails. A pleasant exchange given with the fellow wanderer He climbing up to the waterfall, where he sits in peace Will you come he asks but I’m done for the day. I will head back down, my 4 legged friend is tired, And I worry about the unused aching muscles tonight. Tempting as it is to stay in this beautiful setting, But the cold will set in as the sun goes down, I’m not prepared and it had been a while.