The Ozarks
1974 Margaret M. Rawlings
After a long day of tears and laughter
And enjoying doing nothing with intense pleasure,
I sit on an exposed tree root,
Noticing how comfortable it is
And how I could sit here for a long time
Momentarily, I fade away...
My mind returns and I take in the layers of rock, the trees, water, quiet
And the brilliant but soft blue and orange sunset.
A thought appears.
I grasp it; the music fits this country life.
I can't describe why.
Maybe it's the stillness and quiet of the dusk.
Everyone talks in undertones, awed by the surrounding life.
The trees whisper.
I've never felt so calm, content to just sit and listen to nothing.
To take in the view without seeing anything at all.
So many intelligent and inspirational thoughts come to mind,
But I can't remember what I was thinking about.
I can't explain my feelings of extreme joy, contentment, awareness.
I feel so extreme, it's wonderful.
My mind fades away.
A muffle voice returns me.
"You okay?"
I nod and smile
They smile back and return to their fishing and distant talk.
They're not really here
Because they don't know what's in my mind.
I smile conspiratorially into the air.