Relating

These are thoughts I had while driving through the Appalachian Mountains.

It is a marvel to see
the Appalachians in the Fall;
not just the many shades of red,
yellow and green,
but the thought of it all.

Hillsides at angles too steep to climb,
rock cliffs that fall straight down.
The trees dense with scrubs and vines,
vivid colors both high and low
it makes one wonder what's inside.

What if I could walk within those colors
beautiful to see, find a path
where a deer might run
or a stream that flows beneath.
Would I see flowers or bramble bush
bluebells or poison oak or both?

Would the walk be easy
like sauntering down a street,
or would I stumble and fall
from the roots that pull at your feet?

Would there be blue birds and squirrels
and rabbits running along, or would I be attacked
by rattlers and bears and perhaps large cats?

The forest is full of beauty;
part to cherish, part to fear.
I can admire that beauty
from afar, it is safer here.

Or would it be better
to walk under the trees,
taking a chance to experience
life in that atmosphere?

Would one gain confidence
in the forest, overcoming the fear,
eventually feeling comfortable
among the dangers there?

Paul J. Wolf 11/25/09