It was warm.
The Sunday before Labor Day.
Our children, in other states.
Celebrating with their children.
So, we found a trail to walk.
Where we stretched legs.
Paid homage.
To aromas of autumn clematis.
Views of streams under heavy green canopies.
Fields of black-eyed Susans, goldenrods.
Sounds of a small black snake hissing.
Before slithering across the path.
Beating of wings.
A black spicebush swallowtail.
Darting from white flower to flower.
On a butterfly bush.
Unperturbed by footsteps.
A camera lens.
Like skittish ones sometimes are.
So, I watched.
Admiring its persistence,
dedication to the task.
Hopeful in the final stretch,
I am equally steadfast.
Lynn Benjamin
September 5, 2023
