Hiking After the Election
(November, 2016)

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 the election, this turn of season
in a world unconcerned with folly
is no small comfort; 
change is on its way 
for these plants who flourish
despite the darkness growing around them.