There is no lesson plan or teaching intention
As we walk with a friend through the garden
Just delighted to be among all the flowers
On a perfect blue sky September day
The vibrant colors glow against the expanse of lawn
As we three move from one panorama to the next
Immersed in early autumn annual and perennial blooms
Formal gardens and meadows and woodland paths
And all the while an intermittent conversation flows
Naming the plants and animals and talking about them
Sharing our knowledge and love of nature
With someone who rarely leaves an urban area
This is a holiday outing for her visiting us
A one day respite from everyday stress and worry
As we put the focus on what is happening around us
Pointing out the details of the birds and the bees
Fascinating life stories to us at least
And today our spare binoculars allow her to see
Some of what we are talking about
An otherwise hidden unknown world
Her enthusiastic response makes us all happy
Though all the specifics may be information overload
She picks up on the main idea as we stand there
Aware of ourselves being part of the web of life
