Crisp and clear the day promised

as the sun rose to a quiet, golden morn

The world quiet, sharing its wakening

creatures not yet moving

and a fresh, though light snow

Even our voices soft,

conversation spare and only

what was needed to keep our feet

Snow covered the trail, no tracks

but our own, trekking up the slope

the only sounds the click of poles

and swish of snow as boots find purchase

sharing the glory of the morn

joy inherent, rejuvenation for the day

A moment shared between friends

each recharging for the day ahead

each facing different challenges

but taking comfort and power

from the simple act of quiet

soft communing with nature and each other

sometimes it is the silence shared

that speaks the loudest,

and if we listen closely,

brings clarity and focus to our journey

through another day into a future

ripe with challenges to be met