The beginning of a new story...
Out in the field is a dirt road. Not really a road though, for it is simply two parallel tire tracks composed of muddy ruts and flattened grass. The surrounding field, once lush and verdant, is beginning to turn to a fiery gold shade with the recent arrival of autumn's chilly breeze. At the end of the road stands and ancient tree, its limbs tangled together in a tight embrace. One strong branch leaps to the side, escaping the woven mass. From this lone branch hangs a simple swing, just two lengths of rope and a scrap of wood. That is my destination. I zigzag back and forth as I walk along, avoiding the brambles and mud puddles.
Just a few months ago, I first sat upon a worn leather seat on the passenger side of an old Ford pickup. We had bounced along in the rusty tan truck, carving our way across the flat landscape. Country music blasted out of the crackling speakers. He looked over at me with a boyish grin and shining brown eyes. After a short ride, we arrived at the lone tree. He cut the engine and hopped quickly out of the cab. Slowly, I opened my creaking door and climbed down. The cool grass tickled my bare feet as I watched him reach over the side of the truck bed and pull out a tangle of wood and rope.
"What's that?" I asked.
He just smiled in response.
Just a few months ago, I first sat upon a worn leather seat on the passenger side of an old Ford pickup. We had bounced along in the rusty tan truck, carving our way across the flat landscape. Country music blasted out of the crackling speakers. He looked over at me with a boyish grin and shining brown eyes. After a short ride, we arrived at the lone tree. He cut the engine and hopped quickly out of the cab. Slowly, I opened my creaking door and climbed down. The cool grass tickled my bare feet as I watched him reach over the side of the truck bed and pull out a tangle of wood and rope.
"What's that?" I asked.
He just smiled in response.