WALK IN THE HUDSON RIVER VALLEY

A wide path cut in the tall grass
allows us to walk in the otherwise dense green woods.
But first, we stop to pick up Muffin and Riley
in the cabin they call home.
Two burly golden retrievers
who years ago made a sacred covenant with man
to give up their wild lives
in return for companionship, food and love.
Heavily scented milkweed pierces our nose
as delicate white and yellow flowers sit
atop long stems waving in the breeze
competing for attention.
A tall tree, now dead,
once a Beltane maypole
is still wrapped in multi-covered ribbons.
The dogs scamper ahead in excitement
as a bunny scoots through the clearing,
not in any danger as the dogs
do their best fake chase just for fun.
We come upon the frame of the old sweat lodge
bringing instant memories
of deep emotions
back to the surface.
Lightly brushing them off, we continue on
recognizing those tiny red berries
than neither man nor beast will ever try to taste.
The dogs have disappeared in the high grass
but a quick whistle brings them bounding out,
looking for all the world
like a dog food commercial we’ve seen a million times.
A final leap into the river,
for a refreshing dip and drink
and soaked dog tails spraying my face
bring this outing to a wet end.
Man, dogs, nature, grace…..sweet!