My hand thrusts open the door,
A whiff of cool air flushes my cheeks,
I take a long breath in,
The fresh breeze lightening my lungs.
I step forward a few,
My head tilted down,
Reading the pages of a book.
I look up, and for a few seconds,
My eyes remain locked,
Enchanted by the majestic green mountains.
I wonder if I’m dreaming,
Dreaming of fairyland.
The book is now shut,
The mountains pull me forward,
An old man greets with a smile,
The chirping birds fill my ears.
I look to the right,
The river flowing gently down.
My eye catches a flash of orange,
A bird, a beautiful bird,
Perched at the edge of a branch,
Staring out at the water,
Transfixed just like me.
I encounter a family of ducks,
Huddled by the plants in the water,
The babies waddling behind their Mumma.
I look left,
More mountains, their snow-capped peaks,
Bestowing us with the fullness of the river,
Tall trees with leaves so green,
Glimpses of purple flowers,
Beginning to blossom.
I feel small, I feel like a speck,
The trees, the hills, the flowers,
Enveloping us humans,
With their grandiosity, their beauty,
I happily submit to nature.
I walk down the bridge,
The water is louder,
A big black dog comes running over,
Another happy morning greeting.
A jogging mother,
Pushing her baby’s stroller with one hand,
Crosses my path.
I smile and think,
This would never happen in New York City.
All this while, the birds are singing,
Melodious, harmonious tunes,
Chasing each other,
Wings flapping with gaiety.
Walking further down the river,
I spot the surfers,
Some catching the wave,
Others trying and trying,
A happy bunch they seem.
Two young girls,
Zip past on cycles,
Tennis rackets on shoulders,
Ready for outdoor adventure.
I walk towards home,
The sun’s beginning to crack through the clouds,
It’s rays shining on grass and leaves,
Oh Missoula looks greener than ever!
I enter the door,
My hubby comes towards me,
Our soft lips touch,
A kiss so beautiful.
It dawns on me,
I’m not dreaming of fairyland,
I am in Fairyland.