the world seems gray

not depressing, but mysterious

some patches dark, others lighter

but not clear, color only when close

as if the world is hiding

in billowing clouds

moisture present, sometimes felt

intermittently rain drops

even a little snow as a

chill wind blows through thickets

and rocks surprising around

every turn and twist

wonders abound, quietly revealing

piercing the mist to delight with discovery

wild flowers standing proud

enjoying the moisture

dear grazing among boulders suddenly seen

aware of visitors, but unbothered

sound muffled, though softly present

crickets shy, birds softly chirping

flying out of the clouds

head, then wings, then tail

appearing suddenly, lost moments later

transported to a world beyond

fuzzy rabbit freezing under a bough

still, hiding from the gentle rain

and larger visitors to the shadowed realm

or a young doe stepping to the trail

noticed in the instance of appearance

disappearing into the thicket a moment later

the world is smaller in the fog

details only local, vision limited

sounds muted, still present,

color only up close within a bubble

overcoming the gray not sharing

the stillness of the moment