air warm with clear sky

greeted us as we set out

the path familiar,

walked many times

yet always new

a gentle, cooling breeze

while the sun beat down

the day soon to be hot

birds active, though quiet

enjoying the still cool morning

though the birds weren’t alone

rounding a corner, our movement

startled a doe, who also startled us

then quickly leaped away,

not willing to pose for a moment

A tiny, young rabbit froze

at the edge of the trail

only for a moment

then started posing

leaving memory and a wink

suddenly on the trail

a doe harvesting green foliage

to the left a young buck

doing the same, both not

caring they were observed

perhaps a couple

though they walked

separate paths aware of each,

pretending indifference

calmly disappearing into thicket

every step, every turn

something new

the joy of discovery

and of sharing the experience

may life always surprise