Hand in hand on our walk,

confiding in each other what is on our mind and discussing our day,

we benefit from the fresh air, wide open view, the rhythm of our steps and

companionship — knowing that we have done this very many times and

will continue to do so as long as we are able to

To the left and right of us is the flow of daily life —

people driving to and fro while living prosaically

I try to focus on the beautiful things in front of us:

a deep blue sky, fluffy white clouds, perfectly proportioned evergreens and singing birds

As we round the bend of the walking track,

the wind blows from the sky

Thousands of shimmering leaves shower down upon us, reflecting the sunlight

We both look up and marvel at this unexpected gift of the season

I stretch out my hands and close my eyes to breathe in the moment

When I open my eyes again, it is to a lovely vision of being surrounded by a waterfall of twirling leaves

I feel like a child,

looking with fresh eyes and new feelings of delight.