June 9, 2008

ABOUT TO TAKE FLIGHT

Just needs a puff of breath

Do you ever find yourself looking for symbols? I went into my woods today. They were dark and still and dripping from rain, and there was nary a soul. But about half an hour into my run, I came across a baby snowshoe hare. His feet were humongous in comparison to his little brown body, and they were still stark white — luminous — the remains of his winter coat. Big lucky rabbit feet.
He scuttled into the moss and undergrowth as I clattered down the path, then he stilled. I stopped to watch him, and slowly he hopped back out onto the trail where he sat and watched me back. Big eyes. Real close. Then, very slowly, he hopped off — somewhat ungainly on those large paws. I think he shall be my totem for this year. My lucky little trickster hare, young and full of bounce and promise. He just better stay away from them coyotes.