It’s a late fall day,
a cloudy Ohio day.
My walk in the park for exercise
turned into a wander.
The mist began and a quiet settled in.
My awareness of the birds was replaced
by the company of squirrels.
So many squirrels that I could hear the one up on haunches beside the trail ask,
“Do you have a reservation? We have the park today, you know.”
The audio book switched off and my phone secured
in a baggie in my pocket, I walk on.
My 5 mile goal melted in the light rain as I wander.
A sweetly gentle, cloudy sky gave off a light that still
brought vibrance to the reds and golds.
The leaves’ water slick surfaces looking polished in the soft light.
How far did I walk?
Just far enough;
far enough for mind to clear and heart to open,
far enough for eyes to fill with bright color in the soft light,
far enough for muscles to relax and for tensions to be washed away.
What’s my exercise goal?
To walk far enough…