Winter Hikes

The cold air 
Tonight 
Reminds me 
of Winter Hikes 
In the woods
With my father
Hikes 
That had no purpose 
Except
To be out there
Enjoying and Exploring 
The wonderful gifts of Nature
And perhaps to stage 
An unspoken dare -
How far can we go 
In the bitter chill 
Before turning back 
Toward home?

A little older
I started to go out on 
Hikes Like That
By myself
In a long, heavy coat
And rugged boots
Lined with felt
To keep
My toes from freezing.
No reason
Just to be Out There
That's all
Enjoying and Exploring
The wonderful gifts 
The thrills and chills 
Of Nature

Copyright © 2016 Daniel R. South 

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