Ancient Whispers

Footsteps crunch on Aspen leaves-
Newly fallen to the forest floor.
Rhythm becomes a meditation mantra.
Thoughts flow lazily like a stream.
Eyes peer upward to see
Golden yellow coins dangling from
Bright white tree limbs.
Cold breeze brushes by.
Another wave of leaves
Say goodbye to summer
In ancient whispers,
As they release their hold.
Silence then takes their place.
The New Mexico blue, autumn sky
Becomes the backdrop
For this mesmerizing scene.

Pausing a while
Realizing the blessing given
To be right here, right now-
Witnessing autumn preparing
The trees for winter sleep.
Awe stills all thought.
Listening to the whispers.
Watching leaves tumble
Gracefully to the ground.
Magical!

Time grows late.
Must be heading on.
Footsteps crunch on Aspen leaves
Newly fallen to the ground.
Climbing to the fire lookout
Another hour or so from here.
Living minimally this weekend.
Backpack carries my camp
On this hike up Signal Peak,
Gila National Forest.

2013 © Dawn L. Huffaker
All rights reserved.