Notes On A Memorial Day

Observe.

Every Memorial Day weekend I retreat to the woods, for better or for worse, and mostly in the rain. It is the beginning of the summer camping season, the mark of long days and warm nights. It is my first chance to reflect on the winter, and the hopes of spring. But mostly, I observe. A list:

A bald eagle circling the river's bend

Star-shaped marshmallows in red, white and blue

Sausages on sticks

Tiny pink butterflies

Waterfalls

Wooden foot bridges

Rose gardens

Three red strawberries

Perhaps there is something there, within all that, but for now, I take them all, just as a they are.