Wildenblue Farm Journal

Excerpts from A Country Pathway

I come upon it suddenly, alone-
A little pathway winding in the weeds
That fringe the roadside; and with dreams my own,
I wander as it leads.

Full wistfully along the slender way,
Through summer tan of freckled shade and shine,
I take the path that leads me as it may-
Its every choice is mine

A chipmunk, or a sudden- whirring quail,
Is startled by my step as on I fare-
A garter-snake across the dusty trail
Glances and- is not there.

Above the arching jimson-weeds flare twos
And twos of sallow-yellow butterflies,
Like blooms of lorn primroses blowing loose
When autumn winds arise.

The trail dips- dwindles- broadens then, and lifts
Itself astride a cross-road dubiously,
And, from the fennel marge beyond it, drifts
Still onward, beckoning me.

Why, I am as a long-lost boy that went
At dusk to bring the cattle to the bars,
And was not found again, though Heaven lent
His mother all the stars.

And lo! through the mists that may not be dispelled,
I see an old farm homestead, as in dreams,
Where, like a gem in costly setting held,
The old log cabin gleams.

Oh, darling Pathway! lead me bravely on
Adown your valley-way, and run before
Among the roses crowding up the lawn
And thronging at the door,-

And carry up the echo there that shall
Arouse the drowsy dog, that he may bay
The household out to greet the prodigal
That wanders home to-day.

Friday, October 28, 2011

Yesterday morning, we headed out into the woods. It was cold, damp and rainy... yet the fallen leaves combined with the still-unfallen foilage filled the woods with a muted, pumpkin-hued glow. We saw no sign of the many chipmunks and birds, deer and squirrels that we had seen a few days earlier... all was still and quiet.

The raindrops clung to the branches like so many strands of pearls, as if they were frozen in time. Yet the colder air hand had only begun to creep in, so each drop remained liquid...

Come this morning, everything was tucked under a comforter of downy snow. And though we knew it was too early in the season to last, we headed back outside to enjoy it before it all melted away...

6 comments:

Comfrey CottagesOctober 29, 2011 at 9:21 AM
Oh look how the little ones have grown! We just had our first hard frost... Stay warm! xxx
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Laura ofOctober 29, 2011 at 8:10 PM
Yes, they are growing like weeds, Leslie... as is your little Dylan. Where does the time go to? Hope you are well, and yes, I'm warm. Just filled up the wood furnace again! xox
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Comfrey CottagesOctober 30, 2011 at 8:37 AM
The years just keep going faster and faster on this side of 50, Laura! xoxox
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Laura ofOctober 30, 2011 at 5:58 PM
sigh... I couldn't agree more, Leslie
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Granny SueNovember 13, 2011 at 12:30 PM
Hello! Hope you're staying warm. Wanted to let you know I've given your blog a Liebster award. Check my post tomorrow!
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Laura ofNovember 13, 2011 at 3:24 PM
How sweet and thoughtful of you, Granny Sue. I will visit you tomorrow! Kindest regards~
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