i go the least
expected way
off trail

into deep grasses
where a turkey
wrangles the air

with all her startle
and I touch my heart
when I look down

to discover
her clutch of 13
freckled eggs

namaste I say
with a little bow
and tip-toe back 

to the beaten path
down the hill
out of sight

praying for the hen’s
quick return
knowing

this scene
is better off
without me