Among the Pines

Today I took a walk through Gully Brook Park, as I have a hundred times or more since its  inception in 2011. Today was different though, people are different, and uncertainty is all around us. I felt grateful the minute I pulled in, when I saw that there were not too many cars in the parking lot. I wanted a bit of the park to myself; I didn’t want to smile or say hello on the trail, or to wonder what was going on in people’s heads. I just wanted the pines and the river. As I walked, a women and man behind me on the path spoke out to me somewhat loudly ”We are walking over to your left” making sure the space between us was the required distance. I answered back “Thanks I’m good” She replied “Yes, but we’re not” as they briskly passed me by. I continued; “At least the fresh air is good for us” I smiled. No comment came, as they moved quickly along the path. My reaction to this was one of judgment; I thought to myself “Stop long enough to look at the river!” Followed by my next thought “Do you come here regularly, or has your confinement brought you here?” I felt indignant by it all. I felt protective of my park. I want people to appreciate it, especially now since it’s giving them the opportunity to escape! I found a spot by the white pines and sat down and I began to write and take pictures. I offered up some positive energy to us all, and I wondered where this is all leading us?