a mile long hike

step gently over these leaves
they are busy feeding the ground
with all the sugar they've gathered
during the summer;
they are quietly giving life
to the next year's crop
while we are here for the day
happily hiking;
a mile long hike
is not a long experience
but it does give a glimpse
into the depth of the water,
the steepness of the slope,
and the age of the stone.
the air may get a little rare
but the soil and the trees
help and breath back the life
that we need to see and to care for.

share the view and the sure way
you take a step
but gently, pay attention
to the delicate life that grows
everywhere, even under your foot;
be inspired, look up
keep in you this view from the top.
you can grow too
with little resources;
and your are still
able to give and to judge
and mainly to live
simply, gently
never boringly - plain.