A blessing for the woods

Before I leave, almost without noticing,

before I cross the road and head toward

what I have intentionally postponed -

Let me stop to say a blessing for these woods:

for crows barking and squirrels scampering,

for trees and fungus and multicolored leaves,

for the way sunlight laces shadows

through each branch and leaf of tree,

for these paths that take me in

for these paths that lead me out.