Late Summer Morning

Sometimes I decide to walk on the mulch paths rather than the roadway. It feels a bit less urban, although the sounds of traffic accompany me wherever I walk. And anyway, it’s the particular magic of the Arb to turn urban forests and fields into something closer to rural woodlands. Much more intentional, of course, but familiar to me from my years in New Hampshire.

This morning I walked up the mulch path that starts near Peters Hill Meadow and wanders through the orchard. It was well past dawn on a hazy morning. As I walked, I wondered whether the striking colors surrounding the sun were caused by debris from the Canadian forest fires. It’s a new experience for me to notice something unusual or beautiful and need to stop and wonder whether it’s born from something awful.

Maybe it’s always been like that and I’m just noticing it more. Or maybe because the stakes are higher now, I’m paying more attention. If so, it’s a good thing – our planet needs all the attention it can get!