Sweet Release on Pathways Wide

My world is framed by fleeting days
Filled often by perplexing ways
That seep into my daily life
And cause their share of undo strife


On recent dawn, I stepped outside
To sort my thoughts on pathways wide
And find a way to calm my fears
That echoed far; that hovered near


And in those hours of frosty morn
When fields lay bare of summer's corn,
And trees had shed their garbs of green,
I memorized each passing scene


Of twirling, dancing crimson leaves
Cascading down in autumn breeze 
As chipmunks searched for acorns round
While flickers* made their drumming sound






Of blue jays squawking, "Jay! Jay! Jay!"
As I continued on my way
Toward the lake where holly* grows
In wild abandon, not in rows





Of red-tailed fox who lingered near
To lap fresh water without fear,
And though I stood within his sight,
He sensed I was not cause for flight






And as I paused in silent awe
Of what I heard, and touched, and saw
I felt a calm come over me
Not all at once, but by degree:


So many days spent in a race
To reach a goal; to win first place
Yet, striding free beyond closed walls,
Renewal waited; it enthralled