My Own Backyard

Today, a friend took me to Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park in Manchester, Tennessee.  A beautiful meadow waved amber grasses and swarmed with no-see-ums; a root-riddled trail meandered below the wall of the ceremonial ground; and an even lower path skirted the edge of a racing river, punctuated with spectacular waterfalls.  Underfoot, countless Spring Beauties, Hepatica, and other wildflowers sprouted.

I loved the walk, but I loved even more the view of my own backyard, where the falling-into-dust sun lit up redbud and tulip poplars, glowing like embers before a greening forest.

 There's no other place like it.