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