i never can remember what comes after
the path into the pines, whether
the trail loops back to its beginning
or winds even deeper into the woods.
my sandaled feet stumbled over stones
and roots as i wandered along, unsure
of where i was going or would end up,
when i noticed the tiny summer azure
perched along the path, dusty blue wings
folded for a moment in respite
upon a fallen branch. i tried to walk softly,
creep closer for a longer look, but then
it was off again, leading me onward as if
it knew where we both should be going.
and so i followed.
