For walking,
Off road is better,
Always quiet and soft
To the touch,
Grass and earth lift the foot
And whisper in time with each step

Even on a cold morning,
Off road is better.

Always.

On the morning of the first frost
You step deep into a field
(The sign says, "No Trespassing!
Keep Off!" but you are immune
To shouting at this hour.)
You hear only the whisper of grass
And you walk on

And then when you stop
And the sun lifts her head
And blows across the field
Kisses in yellow light

That climb up your body

You feel
Through your sneakers and socks
Moisture that would have been dew
The warm day before.

You imagine you hear the trickle
That is the expired breath of grass
As it soaks through you

And sends you reaching and climbing
Like a wild vine
Into a new day.

One Single Impression