My Nature Story

As the wind rushes through Ginny’s hair,

as her little finger feels the bark’s rough surface, she slides down,

her toes reaching the soft soil. 

As the sun sets, she runs until she reaches the lake.

She shudders as her toes touch the freezing cold water.  

The shimmering lake, with a waterfall splashing down,

lilies floating around.

As she walks the stone path,

the wind curls around her fingers.

she feels hope swell inside her, right to her toes.

As she trudges through the soft, soggy grass, with amazement

she notices petals,

clear and transparent, she smells the pollen.

Ginny hears a rustle from the trees behind her.

The bees buzzed softly around the soft leaves.

She imagines a world with no trees,

as the hope washes away.

She glances over, between the old trees,

a brand-new green sapling is growing.

She takes a deep breath.