a path of water
i slip through forest
following a stream bed,
halting in the deep pools
encircled by carved rock.
Seemingly still on the surface
i slip invisibly underneath
until at the edge
I tumble
crashing thunderously
to the stony basin below
where I pause again -
briefly-
and then flow on.
November 12, 2022 Pipestem Resort State Park River Trail
I ran 8 miles on the rugged hilly mountain trails in the morning, following the river trail. Cool and wet, solitary running. It was muddy and slippery, so I had to watch my footing; to be fully present; minding the path, looking for the trail blazes, keeping all senses engaged.
I heard the water moving before I saw it. I stopped and slogged through the mud to watch it swirling and gathering, pooling and falling. Just flowing on and on, going about its way - to what end I don’t know. But I love to watch it go.
November 20, 2022 I was supposed to be home two days ago, but the weather at home is treacherous with heavy snow and wind, so I had to extend my trip. I landed here; at Prophetstown State Park in Indiana.
In the morning, the sun came up bright and clear so I decided to get out for a run through the grassland trails, through the marshes and pools. Such different terrain than the mountains of West Virginia. The water more still, actually frozen in places, was like mirror glass reflecting trees and flying birds and sky and making me feel almost lucky I got delayed so I could find this unexpected beauty.
I look forward to returning home for Thanksgiving where I will gather with my husband, neighbors, friends and family, but I am grateful too for these precious moments of solitude and reflection.
I will share more pictures from this trip over the next few weeks For now, I will say Happy Thanksgiving! May gratitude free you from worry, and gathering with people you love fill you with joy.