As I rode away from the concrete jungle of the city,
The untamed trees became oh so pretty
Sparkling with colors…orange, yellow, and red
The bold, crisp, popping bursts stick in my head
Then the parking lots were suddenly replaced
With rolling hills of grass-wildflowers laced
Spinning my wheels towards the lonesome prairie
I spotted the goats, horses and cows of dairy
The natural lawn mowers that they were
Made me think of emissions that would not occur
Tis true one could say they cause air pollution
But their meat, hide, and ride are a better solution
Except for the horses, they just make good glue
Let’s not spoil this ride when I haven’t a clue
There are caterpillars crawling out from the edge of the ditch
So carefully do I avoid them without becoming unhitched
And I think to myself how their slow crawl is a struggle
Just to exist and survive as every other bug – Oh!
Because they are still squirming I might have a chance
To beat ‘Ol Man Winter before he asks us to dance
Further on my journey, I see road kill galore
I wonder what they looked like when we still could adore
And the swoon of skunk – it really stunk!
But hey, he was in the middle as the song implied
By Loudin Wainwright – Now that man tells no lies!
Onward I must forge to pass every valley and gorge
Past the railroad tracks as well as every dam storage
Beautiful little cornflowers declare their presence
Amongst the wake of clover, buttercups, thistles, and babe’s breath
But no matter how much money the city operates
It could never match the many blades of grass conglomerate
For their lush, green shades filled with oxygen
Are worth far more since they’re not a pathogen
All germy from the many hands that went before
Money spreads disease for sure!
Just love how grass becomes a shag carpet floor!
Soft as my feet sink into its luscious core
But even as I’m heading further out
To the countryside’s outskirt turn-about
It’s an awfully quiet ride with no one to confide
Even so, it’s just as bumpy as city subsides
The only arguments heard out in nature
Are by the small animals so immature
Still, the squirrel’s squabble, chipmunk’s chatter, and bird’s squawking
Could never irritate as much as human voices do
Perhaps it’s because their language, to me, is askew
And, I know, it pertains not to me in their scheme
That’s why it’s believable I’m living my dream
Even so, distractions continue to invade
Yet, somehow, in the country, they easily fade
Stars are more visible in the sky out here
Instead of inside an electronic box there
It’s true, the television stars talk, dance, and sing
But the sky stars give off a twinkle-joy to my eyes bring
On a bicycle, I keep touring through nature’s vista
Yet, it’s on a paved road as in the city, a buggy bistro
If I chose a mountain bike, it doesn’t roll on mountains
At least not directly – therefore the city still stands
But we’re talking about nature, so…that’s the nature of things
See, we never quite lose the city in the country
Just as this is true, children never lose their parents
As well, broken marriages are not widowed or divorced
For we always remember to carry on with our course
Sky blue with sunshine might be dry
But is it not blue when the thick, wet rain comes? Cry!
Nature is not a fixed concept, much like life, it is dynamic
Oh how my brain hurts – could you find me a hammock?
No? Oh yeah, I’m discussing this biking tour
But it isn’t about me – Again, took a detour!
There are enemies who could be friends
But trust is an issue beyond our wits end
And the usual habits and nature of the beast
Need consideration or respect at least
Everything that walks or crawls is hungry, keep in mind
And ever so protective! Better watch your behind!
Don’t turn your back on the ones in need
Unless you know their hearts are filled with greed
Never back down from a fight or run
Because either way, the challenge isn’t ‘won’
Strive for a tie or a truce at best
Agreement is better than any jest or test
Killing to survive or surviving to kill
Usually takes some talent and a whole lot of skill
But whether to protect yourself or just to eat
Put it into perspective, this gruesome feat
Skillfully constructed, this language also is a tool
And depending on how it’s used, could keep you acting like a fool
But in nature, it’s not always about intelligence
Sometimes it’s our attitude and being blessed with eloquence
The angular, angry city, can be suspicious at every end
But the smile of the infinite acre countryside knows no end
And if, by chance, you took advantage of an open door
Enjoy that blessing and whatever it had in store
Because in nature and life, it’s in constant change
Find some comfort in the curses and the omens strange
Because it has to get better even if you disengaged
Have you ever watched animals building their nests
With sticks, fabric, mud… just doing their best?
It isn’t an overnight success most of the time
Just a slow-running process in their pantomime
Or they burrow underground in tunnels elaborate
Yet to us, it’s just a maze…some kind of labyrinth
The spiders spin webs to hang around and eat
And the bees use wax or paper to construct so neat
Most importantly to consider is this, my friends
Each species has a difference and can’t always make amends
There are predators, helpers, and strange ones to admire
Be careful while constructing that toasty camp fire
Remember that patience is a virtue and there is no clock out in the wild
Only four seasons which are hopefully mild
No holidays, sales, or deadlines…just scenic beauty so sublime
Now how would you like to pass your time?
Hopefully you’ve enjoyed this stark reality rhyme…
I’ll pedal my bicycle while treading water for you anytime!