Walking the Swamp in Winter

 

I set out for a walk,

wearing layers

of flannel and fleece,

but winter's cold hand

slaps the tight skin

on my wind-burned face.

Six degrees

makes my eyes water 

blurs my vision.

I seek shelter

from the wind

in a Tamarack swamp,

crowded with cattails,

and arduously  follow

a narrow deer trail

through deep snow

and half-frozen black mud.

While stumbling and grunting

through eight-foot cattails,

fluff is sticking to my lips,

and to my stocking hat.

Hidden hummocks of grass

trip me up,

try to bring me

down.

I try to maintain balance,

and get warmed-up

by the effort.

© 2022 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Townsend Park - Kent County - Michigan

2. 3. & 4. Cannon Township - Kent County - Michigan