I like to go on hikes and long nature walks. I like exploring new trails just to find something new and interesting. On one such walk, I found this wooden gazebo on the edge of a small meadow and behind a small hill of trees. I have visited it a number of times. I would sit there reading, writing, and just enjoying the view from there. But one day an unexpected intruder, a creature of the woods, came to briefly visit me:

Evergreens, elms, and maple trees are all around me.

Warm sunshine above filters through the towering green leafed trees.

The black dirt trail before me leads through this spring green forest

Where wildflowers grow and unseen birds sing from their nests.

Ah, I found the lush green meadow, a small clearing, you see

Where the uncut grass swishes my bare legs and brushes my knees.

The morning sun brightens the clear, turquoise sky

While a lone rabbit appears and silently watches as I stroll by.

Along the path, up a small woodsy ridge and round the bend I go

And there I found a hidden, wooden gazebo built so long ago.

With contentment, I reach the steps and soon find a seat inside.

Here I can watch nature, happily read, or quietly write.

I relax and read in hushed silence enjoying the natural beauty surrounding me

I look up from my book and find a light brown fawn watching ever so keenly.

The young deer creeps closer reaching the edge of my temporary gazebo home

I could almost reach him and almost caress his quivering wet nose

Face to face, eyes to eyes we watch the other with lengthening intrigue

This young visitor seems to view me with intense yet quiet curiosity

While I remain as still as a lifeless statue, barely breathing

And soon a doe appears summoning her wayward, spotted offspring.

And so into the woods the mother and child gracefully and quietly disappear.

What a wondrous treasure to see them as I silently sit and ponder here.

Too soon its’ time to go home, and back to living in everyday reality

But I will be back to view what other beauty nature will gladly reveal to me.