Picture this

Headed back out after depositing convalescing son and his scooter at home.

Wondered if it would still be light out on my return.  Doubted it.

Stopped to smell an autumn rose from a bush that feels new to me every time.  This particular aromatherapy incongruous when cheeks are pinched with cold.

Felt the familiar and unfortunate nervousness upon seeing a lone male figure approaching from a distance.  The first soul I was seeing this gloaming.

Delighted to get across the busy street during a perfectly timed lull.

Walked past a tyke bottom planted firmly on the path.  Walked past his mom who glanced up from her phone long enough to say "bye bye" in a bored though not uncaring voice.

Gazed at the clouds edged in gold and pink and gray.

Distracted by the pack of boys in football gear harassing the Canadian geese with shrieking lunges of power-infused joy.

Awed by the shiny white opalescent crescent moon glowing more profoundly with every exhale.

Scanned the treetops with an eager eye where the flight of the large long-legged bird appeared to end.

Cried out as I spotted the egret/heron atop a pine tree.  My word.  How lucky.  My face couldn't contain my smile, my body couldn't contain my joy.  Received Mother Nature's holy communion with giddy gratitude.

Tickled by the techno beat of a new favorite song a new song discovered today.

Joined by joggers as my steps took me home.  Color suddenly dropped out of the picture.  Newly naked branches seasonal inky silhouettes.

Lit from within a neighbor girl cocooned in her enclosed front porch.

Soothed by the sweet sad snare-drum strains of a new favorite song a new song discovered today.

Completed by my walk as the day darkened.  Good medicine for a melancholic with attentional issues.