In the springtime of my youth
brooks ran free and clear
winding thru leaf covered trees
along paths of apple and pear.
Traveling thru brush and bramble
while birds sang bright and clear
to the tune of buzzing bees
was music to my ears.
I\'d see brightly painted patches
of yellow and purple petals
of Violets and Buttercups
nestled among the nettles.
There among lavender Asters
and hovering butterflies
lie painted fields of Daisies
a spectacle to my eyes.
The fragrant smell of Honeysuckle
and Wisteria in the air
wild Blueberries and Roses
are a delight for my senses to bear.
I\'d search along trails
for antlers deer once bore
and gaily painted rocks left
by playful hikers before.
As age slowly turns to Fall
the joy of Nature has never wained
and the urge to heed Nature\'s call
and pleasures of hiking still remain.