The trees stand guard, signaling to each other as I cross their hallowed border.
Past the first contingent, the water whispers a welcome, we\'re old friends.
The breeze kisses my face and I stop to hug the sounds of the forest closer.
The birds twitter, sometimes they welcome, today they scold, aggravated at the intrusion.
I grin and walk on.
The squirrels scurry across the path, chattering to each other about this unwelcome visitor.
I wander into a small clearing, hoping for a glimpse of deer whose tracks I\'ve seen on previous days.
No such luck today.
And yet, the peaceful music of the forest has once again calmed my mind.