“To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon,

Is to be back in Eden,

Where doing nothing was not boring - it was peace.”

Milan Kundera

As we intrepidly hiked off from my trusty old truck

Following a familiar old trail in this vast wooded land

My very eager canine companions and I were overjoyed

We couldn’t have asked for a September day more grand

As we now traipsed through forests, marshes, and meadows

With Nature’s truly magnificent multi-hued canvas on display

We all rejoiced in the very simple acts of sight, touch, and smell

While listening to a truly wondrous chorus of songbird serenades

The air in this yet unmolested woodland realm

Was so refreshingly invigorating, clean, and clear

What an absolute contrast from the mean city streets

There was no pollution, congestion, or traffic jams here

We soon came upon a white-tailed doe and her fawn

And a fat happy rabbit nibbling some grass in the sun

And of course, my now overjoyed canine companions

Were off on a chase that provided them exercise and fun

Later that truly glorious, sunny, mid September afternoon

We perched on the banks of a tiny, tranquil, woodland lake

Gazing at a magnificent pair of bald eagles and their offspring

Gliding joyously above us in the refreshing autumn air’s wake

Towards nightfall, as we came upon a peaceful river

I soon decided this would be a marvelous camping site

So while I went about setting up our tent and camping gear

I happily watched these very joyous dogs frolic with delight

Later that cool, crisp evening on our magnificent sojourn

As I stoked the blazing camp flame and peered into the fire

I envisioned the native peoples who had truly loved this land

Dancing around its perimeter, with a very vibrant life’s desire

And that extremely heavenly evening in the northern woods

As I joyously gazed into the vast, star-studded, northern sky

I now knew deep within my strife-free mind, heart, and soul

That I wouldn’t forget this little sojourn until the day that I die

©2007, Mr. Ed