Western Ledges Quarry

When I am among the trees,
especially the willows and the honey locust,
equally the beech, the oaks and the pines,
they give off such hints of gladness.
I would almost say that they save me, and daily.

I am so distant from the hope of myself,
in which I have goodness, and discernment,
and never hurry through the world
but walk slowly, and bow often.

Around me the trees stir in their leaves
and call out, “Stay awhile.”
The light flows from their branches.

And they call again, “It’s simple,” they say,
“and you too have come
into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled
with light, and to shine.”


When I Am Among the Trees, by Mary Oliver


At last I thought I had enough energy to get out for a short hike. I did, but just. I'm glad I had the sense to go no farther than the rock I sat down upon to rest and take this photo. By the time I got back to the car I felt groggy and strange, and when I got home had to lie down for a while to rest. Disappointing, but I guess it's a start. I really do like to spend some quiet down time outside with trees.