You know where the creek
meanders through the small woodlot,
and enters the open meadow
where the Eastern Meadowlarks
prefer to sing each spring?
Hang a left there,
and walk through the crop field
that was in corn last fall
and soybeans the year before;
here you will hear the
Sandhill Cranes yodeling
and see them plucking invertebrates
from the saturated soil between the rows.
Then continue westerly along
the north shore of McCarthy Lake
where circles of Cinnamon Ferns
will thrive this summer.
From here you will spot a pair of Mute Swans
circling around the lake's perimeter
searching for open water.
When they land, notice their angelic wings
as the last skim of ice melts away.
Now turn north, uphill, through the field
deep with winter-matted grasses,
and follow the faint deer trail
along the east slope of the woods
until it crosses the gravel road.
You will now be under
some splendid walnut trees.
Take your time here,
because you need to step carefully
through the arching canes
bearing short thorns
where I pick Wild Black Raspberries
in early July.
Take the next deer trail on the west side
of the vernal wetland, where Spring Peepers
have just begun to call
on nights when it's warm enough.
You must now ascend what was once
our cross-country ski trail
through Red Oaks, Black Oaks,
and a few Shagbark Hickories.
As you step onto the lawn,
notice my favorite tree;
this American Beech, with leaves
that were yellow in October,
copper in December, and now appear
winter-bleached and tissue-thin.
From here, if you look northwest,
you will see me in my library
writing directions for another season.
You don't need to knock,
or even ring the doorbell.
I've been expecting you.
Please come in.
We'll talk about
your walk.
© 2021 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. 2. 8. 9. & 10. Home Woods - Cannonsburg, Michigan
3. Grattan Township - Kent County - Michigan
4. & 5. McCarthy Lake - Grattan Township - Kent County - Michigan
6. & 7. Townsend Park - Kent County - Michigan
11. Home Library
