In Nature, I Belong

“I find it wholesome to be alone the greater part of the time. To be in company, even with the best, is soon wearisome and dissipating. I love to be alone. I never found the companion that was so companionable as solitude.”

- Henry David Thoreau

‘Enlightened’

How did I end up here?

Out in the wilderness with nothing but my camera and the conversations in my head to keep company?

Wandering aimlessly, I find myself stumbling out of the mist onto a winding path that was lined with twisting silver birch trees, glowing in the glorious morning rays.

A sign.

Perhaps the light is reassuring me that I am moving in the right direction.

It may have taken me nearly thirty years, but I think I have finally found my way.

I'm tired but I can't stop now.

I hesitate.

Inhale.

The cold autumn air brings new life to my weary body and I scan the new surroundings with my icy blue eyes.

I keep on walking.

I place one of my feet in front of the other.

I'm scared.

This path shows no sign of footsteps.

I'm alone.

But none more so than in a crowded room, I remind myself.

My mind rests.

Safe in the knowledge that the trees would guide me home.