homeward

the white and blue stream tumbled through the rocky ground as the green algae clung to the wet rocks
a smooth frog leapt onto the cracked and earthy log
the soft green moss gave off a cool mist that hovered into the crisp dry air
a worn leather boot crunched the brown leaves by the log
the frog hopped into the brush with a swish
the thick, angry mud left dark boot prints in the trail
the earth’s aroma rose, mulchy and dank
the cold wet rain began, and the boots began to tap the ground more quickly
each step a humble mark on the earth
the cold in the air felt lighter, and cooler
the sun’s rays began to dim. the wooden door creaked open
the warm smell of cobbler poured through the opening and into the atmosphere
the soft jacket collar hugged the hard wooden peg
the warmth burned
a gentle burn