Tall grass obscured the trail, which few knew was there. To find the opening, you had to stroll, glancing over the tall grass to see the terrain below. This part of the creek got used sparingly. There was no shade to fall asleep under. The only shade came from the golden stems that surrounded you.
It took a leap of faith when you turned left into the grasses. One tall step showed you had made the correct choice. Grabbing low on the stems, you slowly made your way down to the bottom of the slope. Once there, your feet found sure footing on the earth pad jutting out into the trickling steam.
The pad was covered with the softest grass while the edges touching the water still held onto milk pods and wildflowers. Sitting down slowly, not to disturb the peacefulness, a great sigh was heard. Trickles of water fell from small hands into the creek, making magical sounds from fairytales.
The bed of the creek held treasures full of color. One had to be extremely careful not to disturb the sludge under the water when choosing what treasure to look closer at on this day. Treasure in hand, you look with critical eyes at the meandering water. It was still as clear as glass.
After all your hard work, you reach down with cupped hands skimming water off the top. Before the wet goodness seeps through your fingers, your mouth meets your hands halfway. The cool water clears your throat and quenches your thirst for a while.
With toes still snuggled into the soft cool grass of the pad, your body leans back of its own accord. The slope makes a perfect backrest, and the dirt is cool. The tall grasses offer a little shade, and your eyes close of their own accord.
You listen to the animal sounds surrounding you as you lay cool and cozy in your open-air cave with the wind flowing. The sounds of nature lull you to sleep while your hand never lets go of its treasure.
Time passes in peace, surrounded by nature.
You hear the bells ring and know the time has come. You take one last lick of your treasure to see the brilliant colors come. With a smile, you throw the rock and watch it skip a few times before it finds a new home under the water to be found another day.
Tummy grumbling, you turn and, grabbing low on the grass, pull yourself up the steep hill. Taking one giant step out of the tall grasses to keep the path hidden, you rush up the more prominent hill, knowing dinner and bathtime await.
Help someone smile today. It can not hurt you.
Snook
Thumbnail: Photo by Karim Sakhibgareev on Unsplash
All photos are mine unless otherwise stated.
