A November Afternoon
down I walk to the deep cedar creek,
along the less-traveled trail;
searching for certainties under the sun;
longing to see through the veil.
the sunlight falls through branches above
where leaves still stubbornly cling;
holding their place for a time in this world
against what the season will bring.
the sunlight falls through waters below,
clear to the bronze-coloured bed…
the leaves descend too;
into the stream, by whispering winds gently led.
the old trees stand dignified –
their reach too narrow to mend;
guarding the shape of the water’s descent;
guarding the shape of the wind.
and together under the sun we stand;
understanding not all that we seek;
holding our place for a time in this world
down on the deep cedar creek.
– Jerry Dan Deutschendorf