One of my favorite places to walk is a short drive from my home.  Walnut Woods Metro Park (the Woods) is a special place to find nature’s treasures along its easy to moderate trails.  The photographs shown with this poem were taken a few days ago.  Enjoy!

Early morning light beckons

Putting on worn hiking shoes

Overcast skies hold back rain

Nature waits with charming views

Driving to a park, the “Woods”

Tranquility always waits

Peace and beauty reaching out

Eager feet, needing no skates

Step by step, walking farther

Park’s vastness, shouting with joy

Around each bend, nature smiles

Many sights and sounds deploy

Morning excursion teases

Birds sing back and forth on cue

Precious blossoms smelling sweet

Coffee can’t top nature’s brew

Time seems to pause with each step

Today’s time comes to an end

Ticket punched for return trip

These “Woods” remain a best friend

Originally published June, 2020.