Hospitable Hike

Meeting me with branches wide open.

Crackling rocks beneath the treads,
leaving asphalt behind.
Grinding dirt beneath my soles,
feeling worries vacate my mind.

With branches wide open,
she welcomes me back.
No matter how long it’s been,
inviting me to join the pack.

Leaves dancing on the wind.
Critters gathering winter’s stash.
Crunching leaves under my boots.
Flapping wings go whizzing past.

Side-stepping familiar roots
hidden under layered leaves.
Chilling wind across the trail
sneaks in where gloves meet sleeves.

Swishing pants block out the wet
while sealing in the heat.
Rain plinko-ing through the branches,
adding to the rhythmic beat.

Sparkling drops dappling needles
look like fireworks in July.
Reflecting pools held like hands
offering drinks to passersby.

The trail expects no gifts,
I am accepted empty-handed.
She offers healing grace;
I take none of it for granted.

I enter depleted and bare,
but am open to receive.
I exit fully aware,
Sharing wisdom I believe.

---

If you enjoyed this story, please share the connection we made with others and consider supporting my work with a small donation.

---

This post is part of a blog hop with Exhale—an online community of women pursuing creativity alongside motherhood, led by the writing team behind Coffee + Crumbs. Click here to view the next post in the series “Hospitality.”