Birds silent as we enter the trail

only sounds of people rushing

completing unknown errands

as the day dawns bright

and surprisingly warm

birds talking up a storm

announcing themselves to the world

sky of blue, clouds light and fluffy

a moderate, mid-December morn

as we started down the trail

A clear sky with a chill

Deer foraging, small shoots

of green grass, lingering still

Some settled on ground

in the growing warmth

of the rising sun

morning was clear

blue sky, no clouds

sun rising over the foothills

Chill with ice covered trails

Snow crunching under boots

It wasn’t a quack

more of a squawk

as we approached the pond

half in shade from the

trees along the trail