Forest Bathing

there comes a time each day, to walk the forest trail.
if I should forget, or be otherwise inclined, a warm moist
nose nudging my arm, or the deep and soulful dark eyes of one,
accompanied by the long low whimper of the other, will let me know
I have gone far to long forsaking our daily ritual.

my folly and shame are met with complete forgiveness, as I grab the leashes
and we hookup for the brief car ride to any of several forest gates.
patiently waiting my gear permutations; bug spray, poop bags, water, tracking collars,
responder, cell phone, and hat. up with the hatch and down with the ramp
to ease the old one’s exit.

we take to the trail with uninhibited joy and ecstasy. the unmitigated pleasure
one has when meeting a long absent lover. the haste to renew the union,
reignite the passion and explore every nook and cranny that may have transformed
within the past 24, or less, hours. each visit bringing a new ebullience that defies
human capacity for delight.