My bare feet travel riverside down the dust talcum path. They feel the way forward while softly grounded in the fine dirt. As the bank of trees lean to shade, the river glides past, over and around rocks. Here it seems effortless for lives of birds, fish and plants to thrive together. None needing to shame or blame. Is it just my interpretation or have the living of the river ecosystem always known that there is enough for all, that everyone’s time will someday pass, that we will someday be nourishment for the next in line and there is peace in the acceptance of being a part of the changing cycle? There seems to be balance here. The kind of balance I am always seeking. As I hike up the pants, I have yet to grow into, I wonder if humans really are the more evolved species. It seems that I have so much to learn from the Osprey’s willingness to try again and the way rivers shift course without blaming the logs that have fallen to block their route. As I pack up my tent site I am already planning my return.
The river knows flow transforming place without shame forgiving teacher © Ali Grimshaw 2020 Haibun Monday, 8/31/20:Take a Hike! Join in the sharing at dVerse Poet's Pub.
flashlight batteries - Ali Grimshaw 
❤ Such deep teaching is found in nature. I wonder those same things, Ali. Your haibun is beautiful. I love the idea of walking barefoot where you were, grounded.
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Barefoot walking is something I rarely do. I guess I have gotten too used to my protected separation of shoes. It might be a metaphor for being removed from nature. I am going to get barefoot more often before the season changes. Thanks for your thoughts.
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You’re welcome, Ali.
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I love the thought of us being unable finding our proper place… maybe our insistence of always being on top is really the fear of having to accept that sometimes we are the prey (at least to hurricanes and floods)
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Bjorn, I agree that fear gets in our way. I also wonder how many humans don’t see themselves as part of nature. I appreciate your thoughts.
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Nice thoughts from your camping trip. ✌️🤟
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Thanks for reading. You are the best Dad ever.
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To live in harmony with nature is to live well!
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Agreed. We have a lot to learn in that respect.
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I adore this Ali. Oh yes….if we could, on this earth, in this place, strike the balance that nature teaches us is possible…how wonderful that would be.
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If we can dream it then it is still possible.
Thank you for taking the time to read my poem and share your thoughts.
Wishing you wellness.
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A very good Haibun of Wisdom! We have so much we could learn from nature, but until now we have been to busy to notice!
Dwight
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Dwight,
Thanks for your supportive thoughts.
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You are welcome!
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Everything in nature seems to know what to do and how to do it. We want too much, to change and control. You’re right, we could take a few life hacks from the ospreys.
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Thanks Jane. Every time I slow down in nature I learn something new. It is such a gift to my life. I wish that more people had this opportunity.
Wishing you wellness.
Ali
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To be able to slow down at all is something many can’t do. We’re lucky indeed.
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It seems that I have so much to learn from… the way rivers shift course without blaming the logs that have fallen to block their route.
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Thank you for this. I appreciate your reflection.
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Rivers are such rich environments for life. I’m glad you found balance there – heaven knows we need it!
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The sound of a river is one that always sings my heart to a calming place. I am so grateful I can still get there.
Thanks for reading Sarah.
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A barefoot hike sounds idyllic, something I haven’t done in years, Ali. Thank goodness for places where birds, fish and plants can thrive together, where one can experience and accept the changing cycle. I couldn’t suppress a smile at the way you followed the word ‘cycle’ with the idea of ‘balance’, which conjured up a picture of a fish riding a bicycle – it’s just the way my brain works!
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You have a creative playful brain. What a gift that is. Thanks for your response.
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What a wonderful song. Each day a new chance. Follow the sun, the direction of love.
Thank you for this.
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Love to watch Osprey glide and dive Ali. When I’d fish the mountain lakes of Oregon, and walk the Pacific Coast, they were frequent companions. This is a wonderful write, and a marvelous picture!
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How fun that you have that memory to connect with this poem. I agree, that the Ospreys are a joy to watch. Thanks for leaving your reflection.
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Nice musings Ali. Nature is a great teacher.
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Nature is a great teacher. I am grateful that I got to slow down so I could calm my brain and embrace the learning.
Stay well.
Ali
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Kudos. I would have liked a break.
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I wish I could have given this to you and the many, many others who deserve a break in the great outdoors.
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I get mine in small bits on days off. I just haven’t had a long break like many during the lockdown.
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I am a believer in the healing/calming that time in nature provides. I hope you keep taking even small parts of your day to be outside.
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A beautiful piece on nature’s instinctive harmony following the river of time….
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Thanks Ivor. Rivers inspire me. I look forward to giving your song a listen.
Take care my friend.
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