A Meraki Writer

I turned my face to the sun and closed my eyes. The rays soaking into my skin, how I’ve missed the sun. Winter lasted forever. The last of the snow had finally melted away, the small flowers bursting through the ground and giving this old world a bit of color. 

I continue my walk, entering the woods and leaving the sun behind me. The new leaves are vibrant green that contrast beautifully with the trees deep brown bark. I run my fingers over their ridges, paying attention to every little nook and cranny. Extra sensitive to my senses, reeling in the wonderful sensation that I am alive, and this life is beautiful despite all the hardships we must endure. 

I hear the wind rustling the branches. I feel the cold ground beneath my bare feet. I see the sun rays peeking through the small openings in the the forests canopy. I inhale slowly taking in the fresh, crisp air of spring. I can taste the freedom. 

Alone. Just me and nature. This is where I am meant to be. I feed off the pure, untainted earth. It gives my soul peace. 

Critters scurry about. I can’t see them but I know they are there. The occasional rustling of leaves confirms their presence. I smile as I feel the tension in my muscles dissolving. The stress I’ve been holding onto for so long vanished. 

I approach a small stream. The water rushing over stones and rocks create a mesmerizing scene. Tempted by its beauty I gingerly step into the water. The wintry stream shocked my system. Once acclimated to the temperature I set both my feet in and the let the water wash over them. 

The cool breeze gently blows through my hair. I sigh, completely content with life. 

I cautiously walk the babbling brook. Careful not to slip. Following the winding path the water has formed over decades. 

I do not know how long I’ve been walking, it doesn’t matter, I have nowhere to be. For right now I am unconcerned with the world outside this woodland sanctuary. 

The rays of sun peaking through the branches above me quickly disappeared. I hear a deep thundering close by. I keep my pace, rain is a welcome friend. I step out of the creek and follow a path that has long since been forgotten, until now.

In order to walk it I had to push aside thorn bushes and branches. I didn’t escape unscathed. Thorns pricked my finger, scratched my arms, and tugged at my flowing dress; still I trudged on.

The light became brighter yet thunder still roared nearby. I pushed aside a thick, heavy branch to reveal an eden. I stood in awe at the beauty before me. A field bursting with a variety of vivid colors. Wildflowers waved in the breeze beckoning me to join them. I gladly accepted their invitation. I walked through gently touching their petals and took in their sweet perfume.

When I thought for sure this forest couldn’t be any more magical my skin was kissed by hundreds of raindrops. Lightning lit up the overcast sky. My arms outstretched, head tilted as far back as it would go, I begin to twirl. My skirt flaring out dancing along with me. In this moment I am indescribably happy. 

Soon I am soaked. My once flowing hair now slicked down with the weight of the rain. The storm rolls on as I take shelter under a tree on the edge of the field. I decide to sit awhile and watch the sky water the earth.

I know what awaits me on the outside of this wooded haven. I wish I could stay here forever. Although I know now that whatever evil befalls me on the outside of this fortress I can handle with grace and a calm I couldn’t before.

Until I am forced back out there I will soak in the beauty and peace that surrounds me now. 

“I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees.” ~ Henry David Thoreau