Depressed in Paradise - Sept. 27, 2026

I had a memory today,

high green canopy

pine needle floor

woodpecker echoes

sunrays slicing deep shade,

throwing spotlights

on little purple flowers

a clump of ferns

and

the back of a young deer

staring straight at me

this conglomeration of images,

weekend walking in the Adirondacks

on a path through paradise,

in my 20’s, confused and miserable

this time of year here

afternoon walks are still uncomfortable,

sweaty, hot, windless

shade is lean, the sun sears

yet, there’s a joy that steps

through my front door,

a cool breeze that greets it,

a cold drink that savors it