I crunch my way through pine cones and sticks—feeling

conspicuous in what seems to be complete isolation. Just

walking and emptying my mind of the toxic smallness that

clutters my life.

No plans. No cell phone. No blinking advertisements that

demand attention. No details that dillute the meaning in

the world and myself.

The satisfaction of freedom fills my

solitary walk with joy until I start to sense a presence.

Hidden all around me they breathe short puffs and watch me.

Soundless. They are as alive as wide eyes allow. My foot

collapses leaves as big as their bodies. The instict to

survive motivates a few to scuttle beyond detection.

I cannot see them but I feel the wonder in their hidden eyes—

the fear that hushes them is all I need to feel alive.