Towner’s Wood Remembered

leaf-carpet strewn paths
soggy in low trail dips
dry and brittle where elevated
oak, brich, maple, sassafras
beach, black walnut, and
tree of heaven leaves intertwined
forming that carpet

decayed, disintegrating bridge
spans the stream-bed leading to
Twin Lakes, visible through the
tree trunks and from the
indian mounds, worn trail to
the crests, offerings scattered
over the rocks

old railroad water station and
track-bed binding the southern
edge of the woods
illicit fishing spots dot the road
in, past the no fishing signs
where rods lean against
guard-rails and full coolers grin

–LE – 2/13/24