I've walked these trails too oft before
throughout so many years
and never considered it a chore.
Why now do I fight back tears
....as leaves above lose summer's green?

Around the next bend, I remember,
that huge deer that my brother shot
on that cold day in late November
from that stand I used to hunt a lot.
....Both now gone through that final screen.

And beyond that hardwood ridge
still reclines that small watershed lake
far from any road or bridge
where dad and I would fish and sometimes take
.....a pause to see what might be seen

OOPS! that root almost got me
as it has so often in the past
when I'd bring along a friend to see
what can't be seen if viewed too fast
...like watching a wild turkey preen.

Today, though, I'm again alone
for most companions are now gone
to that place unreachable by phone
ignored by a world which still goes on
...I've become bored with this same scene...........
- - - -
I'm back again but not alone
for my grandson is here for company
who kicks and looks under each stone
then hollers "Pa Pa come and see!"
...wonderment at all there to be seen.

He's never seen this old hill side
and runs ahead to the small brook
then splashes to the other side
" Pa Pa come here and take a look!
....Pa Pa why does this tree lean?"

Then he jumps back with a startled cry
as a deer explodes right at his feet.
Wonderment is plain in his wide eyes
as the deer departs on cloven feet
....through autumn woods of faded green.

I laugh with him and look around
at woods which last week held no joy
listening to my old heart pound
with the wonder of that little boy
....seeing that which he has not yet seen.