The forest
is quiet in the
muggy heat
and beads of
sweat roll down
my shoulders
and arms.
I jump as a
lone squirrel
rustles overhead,
heavy on the
branches as
it travels
across the
canopy.
I take deep
breaths of
honeysuckle air
as I gaze up
at sun-coated
ridges,
the rock cliffs
shimmering
golden
and green.
Even in the
thick summer,
the forest
fills me
with peace.