Life lesson

Stretched out on my back beneath a giant oak I gaze upward through each branch and into the sky above. As the gentle breeze blows through the tree single leaf’s fall and slowly float down to me coming to rest where they were intended to return to the earth from which they came. My eyes follow them on their slow journey to dust and I am reminded I to someday will join them.

A sound in the distance gets my attention and I turn my gaze towards the woods edge where I see a doe standing still as she stares at me with big brown questioning eyes. What must she be thinking? Am I a threat, or a friend? Somehow my stillness attracts her, and she moves closer each step one of caution and concern. Very slowly I reach into my jacket pocket and remove a small piece of apple I was saving. Do deer even like apples? I have always believed animals and humans understand each other if given the opportunity to test the boundaries. Time past and the sun was beginning to slowly set awakening others in the woods that preferred the darkness to light. By now she was within ten feet of my seemingly lifeless being each of her steps coming sooner and with purpose. I closed my eyes and spoke to her with my softest voice barely a whisper and with sincerity. It was then she removed the piece of fruit from my outstretched hand all the while staring at me with those beautiful eyes. She retreated to the safety of her domain as I wiped a tear from my eye.My time under the giant oak had come to an end.Most would say I wasted a day, I say I attended a life lesson and I long to return.