Friday Morning Coffee

I walk the "forests" of campus, 
See the light shining 
Through the trees, 
And miss the dirt roads,
The back roads, 
Of the countryside, 
Of my memories.

Sitting still as 
The critters bounce near—
One small movement 
Drives them away.
Chitter-chatter in the trees,
On the ground—
Fallen leaves.
The seasons are changing, 
The air becoming crisper, 
Cleaner.
The making 
Of brisk morning walks,
The bringer of long sleeves
And comfy sweaters,
Hot chocolate and fireplaces
Alight with flame
And warmth.

Playful squirrels chasing
Bring back a sense 
Of childlike wonder and awe, 
Ease out a chuckle and a smile,
Bring back childhood memories
And a pang of longing.
For the simpler days of 
Constant awe and wonder, 
Of goofy amazed smiles, 
And the sun warming 
My upturned face.

So as I walk 
The "forests" of campus, 
And delight in the simple beauty
Of "the back roads" 
Right here with me—
I'll smile at 
The moth on my pant leg, 
Move and watch it fly away, 
Turn my face towards the sun, 
And know that I'll be okay.