On the way to where I thought I was going

something caught my eye.

Drawn by an opening in the undergrowth,

I looked over my shoulder

wondering if I dare

let my inner child lead the way and

climb into this perfect hiding place.

Listen – Loving Kindness.

My gaze falls to the tangled roots in front of me

and through them to the evergreen,

through to the remaining yellow of the maple

and the rusty blur of the distant leaves.

Remember – Loving Kindness.

Through the layers of the forest

as in the layers of life there is loving kindness to be discovered,

no exceptions.

The dead roots, the vibrant green, the dropping leaves.

Loving Kindness awaits.