I walk upon these hills
far from this winter’s cell
I dream of a long summer’s day
immersed in every way.

I wander among Ozark chinquapin oaks standing tall
listening for sounds of whispering waterfalls
along with sounds of drilling pileated woodpeckers
and yellow-billed pine warblers calls.

I walk along Lake Ann’s banks
Through Bear Cove’s tree-lined quay
I watch a great blue heron take wing
and half-submerged red-ear terrapins
dive into the blue-green waters.

I watch in awe. I gaze at a cloudless sky
waiting for a yellow butterfly to land
on the tops of sweet thistle
and nest-filled milkweed.

I search for apple orchards
and roadside fruit stands
filled with bushels of dripping, ripe peaches.

Standing still, I watch an eagle glide
on mighty skywinds
the day’s moon held high in blue.

I stroll past wishing wells
fireflies, and honeycombs
walking softly upon these Ozark hills . . .
My heart’s home.

*Shared with @dVersePoets #OpenLinkNight this Second Tuesday of February 13, 2013. http://dversepoets.com/