Toward the Long Sleep

Rambling ever onward toward the long sleep known by hibernators in the northern countryside, I am grateful for continued wakefulness, appreciating the days and hours as we have them. Grateful, giving thanks, even, for good health, for family, friends, wild creatures, and democracy while we have them.

first view, from the road

Thinking of the bear den recently dug near the house, in full view from the road, of the town crew stopping there to view the drowsy animal in the morning light, hearing the driver exclaim, “Wow, that’s one big effin bear!” I rambled down to the fellas saying, “Yeah the hole’s just been excavated. Bear is fat and lazy now and ready for the big sleep.” The guys will agree that hibernation sounds like a pretty good idea for the approaching winter. “Wouldn’t mind sleeping like that for a while, waking up occasionally to drink a beer, take a piss then hitting the hay again.” I tell them I’ll be keeping an eye out for the bear’s protection through this hunting season. Later I remind myself that taking care for the planet’s health is something anyone can do to one small degree or another (even through the times when we think it’s a lost cause) before the ultimate sleep arrives. It starts in whatever place we call our home.

Bear retreated before I arrived

what it’s all about… we had our barn roof replaced… the boss’s pup said, “don’t work too hard!”

trail cam does, “Who’s chasin’ us?”

Later… three guesses

coyote

raccoon

it’s nice to wake every once in a while, for something tasty

and then rejoin the wild ones again

not to be forgotten

a favorite wild brookie run

Indigo

Not blue,

but the end

finally said

before sleep.

(excerpt, From the High Hills to the Bay, WF)