Just one more stroll........

 

How delicate the light seems, as it caresses the edge of each leaf on this small beech tree. It has sited itself between three mature guardians, and for the present is quietly growing, part of the next generation of this ancient forest.

Unaware of mortality, it’s developing in its own time.

A sigh is heard and I realise it’s me.

I turn my attention to a nearby holly bush, and the chap sniffing around the lower branches and a large tree stump beyond. My companion is totally at one with his environment. No complicated thoughts of future, no sentimentality towards the past, sure, this is what it’s all about.

I look up, staring at a clear blue sky with a single vapour trail, the plane producing this is southward bound, and suddenly, there’s a flash as the sun catches the angle between fuselage and wing and the course alters perceptibly.

Spring is young, and slowly with each day it is rebuilding the canopy, as small buds are forming on the many trees. Soon we will hear them rustle in the wind and enjoy the shade they will give in the months ahead.

A paw is gently placed on my left knee, and I’m gazing at an expectant pal.

‘Can I help you Bing?’

‘A snack would be good guv.’

The lad carefully relieves me of a snack or three, and I’m wondering if we might turn towards home.

‘Guv?’

‘M’mmmm?’

‘I think I will never tire of this place.’

‘Crumbs Bing, that’s a bit deep.’

‘Well it’s like this old codger. When I’m having forty wags, I nearly always seem to venture here, and I feel very happy, even when I’m having to tow an old poop behind me!’

‘Ah yes well I guess that would be me…..eh?’

‘Nobody slower guv.’

This ageing business is at times rather tough, but it’s good to know the boy Bing has been patient, and allowed me to trundle in his wake, around these paths. I like to think that even an eager hound, is able to slow up a bit….and enjoy these small pleasures, in the company of an old wheeze box like me!

Our walk down the hill and home is bathed in sunlight, it warms our souls and creates delighted smiles upon hound and companion.

‘Keep up guv, we’re nearly there!’

‘We are indeed Bing.’

Suddenly I feel rather sad, these little strolls will of course end.....................


......….but perhaps not just yet.