My Favorite Path

My Favorite Path

Fifteen miles east of Bend,

A thousand miles from no one,

Five hundred hikes,

Always alone.

A single parking spot,

At the trailhead,

Mine if I claim it,

Always empty.

A slight upward hike,

On the journey out,

And easy striding,

On the way home.

Always halfway,

No matter where I turn,

One foot before the other,

Motion swinging into motion.

Sun and shade,

Trees and breeze,

Hat band and backpack

Soaked but refreshed.

No one ever here,

Always mine,

My favorite path.

…Not telling you where.

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