Go Down the Side Path

We walked the wide main path near the lake
New growth of spring sprouted around us
Gentle lapping water provided peaceful background music
Birds and rabbits joyfully greeted the warm weather
A few hardy wildflowers popped up from the soil
We met other walkers on the path
Asking if we would see turtles by the lake
No, they said
Go down the side path to the pond in the woods
We took the narrow side path
Soon we came upon the hidden pond
Tiny baby turtles rested on logs at water’s edge
Like little lumps of brown clay in a straight line
Not moving an inch
Languidly sunning themselves
We marveled at the sheer number of turtles
Awed, amazed, astonished
Grateful we had gone down the side path.



-Kristi Jones 

lives, works, and writes in Madison, WI. She loves hiking on local paths, whether meandering through a prairie or circling a lake.  Someday she will know the proper names of more of the plants and animals she sees while hiking.