Woodland Hike on a Warm Winter Day

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Slick mud

Boot prints, paw prints, bike tracks

Damp fall leaves not yet decomposed

Ice in the most shady and tucked away spots

Rocks in the trail decorated with the dried patterns of sneakers and boots.

Frozen waterfalls slowly eroding in warming drops.

Layers of fleece and wool and down.

Hiking boots laced tight

Pant legs folded up three turns.

Slippery trails filled with people and

Dogs on leashes

Bright blue sky

Rock climbers on belay

Cliff drops above

Creek burbles and winds and runs below.

Sliding down to shore, hoisting up to ridge

Bare branches

Exposed roots

Red brown rocks

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(A list poem)