The garden gate swings open, beckoning me to walk the smooth stone path that is laid out.

I take off my shoes before entering the garden…a nudge to show respect from the gentle wind.

The stones feel cool under my feet with moss rebels poking up between them.

The sun is just coming up over the horizon.  It’s alighting on plant leaves that welcome the warmth.

Trumpet vines cling to trees, beckoning hummingbirds to a feast.  Ferns’ fingers lift up from the Earth, hiding their companions of nature.

A cardinal sings its song before becoming aware of the intruder…

I sit in quiet.