Springtime footsteps
come after the snow liquifies
and the softening ground becomes
spongy once again,
when snowmelt seeps into soil,
creating a waterlogged slurry
that squelches underfoot.
Summer footsteps
occur when plants have matured,
the stalks grown high
and leaves fill out
hoping to collect
sunlight and dew creating
a silent wisp as feet tread forth.
Autumn footsteps
happen when leaves
curl and become rigid,
falling from heightened hosts
gliding and swirling down
to be compressed underfoot,
with crinkly crackly sounds.
Winter footsteps
appear when snow falls
compressing to icy clumps
providing a challenging walk
where feet slip and slide
and where each step sounds
with a satisfying crunch.
-William Sutphin
William Sutphin has spent the past decade of his career educating people about the natural wonders that surround us and encouraging those he meets to enjoy nature. You can find more of his poems on his website: WilliamSutphin.com or in his collection of work titled A Conclave of Cardinals.