Hiking After the Election

[emusnare]

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Hiking Castillero Trail in autumn,
the early afternoon sun low enough
even pebbles underfoot cast shadows
beside my own along the dusty path,

I feel surprised how green the landscape is:
coast live oak and madrone well-endowed
with lush foliage on all their branches,
grassy hills verdant from this morning's dew.

After Tuesday's abysmal election,
the inevitable turn of season
in a world indifferent to folly
is no small comfort; change is on its way.

I find solace in these plants who flourish
      despite the darkness growing around them.

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