One Hike in a California Summer

The dust lay heavy

On the trail

On the leaves of trees

On the scrub undergrowth

And the rocks everywhere.

Dust nearly choking

Every heat-laden breath

As we trudged forward

Sweating with backpack burdens

Toward a campground

As yet unseen.

Step after burning step

We moved along, some staggering,

Till at last we descended

Into a small glen

Washed with the breath

Of sweet brook water.

Here at last was shelter

From the sun and dust.

Evergreen trees stretched tall

Casting cool shadows

Into which we pooled

Settling our tents and packs

Making our home for the night.

Sleep, deep and soothing

Came easily there

In the forested quiet

Kissed by the music of water.

Our long hot walk forgotten, forgiven

Within the glade.

We rose in the morning

Reluctant to leave

As the new day’s heat

Already sifted down

Through the trees,

And circled us like a predator

As we climbed out.

Our reluctant feet plodded upward

While our minds drifted

Back to the cool oasis

Left behind which still energized

The surge once more toward home.

#CaliforniaandSummer #SummerPoem #HikingPoem