Past the Midway Pause

Walking in the woods is my daily cup of tea

as I steep in nature;

my perfect elixer for aging with grace.

With each walk I see my personal landscape differently,

it's my mirror at any given moment.

As a youngster I took in glimmers of hope

while I chased butterflies.

When I was a little older, I found my perseverance

when I sought out a place near the river

and watched the salmon jump upstream.

And now, as I've aged into my 60's

I keep those past moments in mind

when I take my journeys.

I pause at the forks in the road with these

questions in mind;

"Which direction will lead me to my learning?"

And,..."which direction will take me to where I want to end up?"

After all,... this is not my first walk in the woods.

Even though the landscape has changed as have I...

I still know the lane I'm in or... at least I think I do?!

Knowing that lane is the gift from contemplation.

Stopping midway and pausing is knowing that

"halfway there"... IS actually SOMEWHERE.

And, I will take SOMEWHERE over

Not being in this moment.