Bursting out of the block,
Wind carrying my hair,
I erupt forth into the light of the sun
Sneakered feet pitter patter against the solid concrete,
Loud, booming –
I make my way down to the forest with haste
“Careful, hold on,” my mother shouts from behind,
But I am an unstoppable force,
Grin splitting my face and a shriek of laughter –
I am through the gate and onto the lush grass
My breath leaves me in thrilled pants as I draw
Closer, nearer,
Excitement sitting low in my chest,
The trees, the trees
They call to me, egg me on,
And I answer back with joyous shouts
I recall it all now,
The barely contained glee,
The inky trees, their strong bodies, the dark grass
And I go in, I pass through –
Joining them in all their beauty,
Running my palms against their hard bark,
Breathing in their strong scent, the scent of nature,
And I raise my hands, fingers stretching, spreading
—Higher, higher –
My fingers becoming like branches;
Becoming one with the forest in front of my block