Good Morning!

11/19/11

Heavy and wet, the warmed air exits his lungs and lingers around his head briefly before melding into the atmosphere. Another step, his chest expands pulling in yet another frosty hit. Arms swinging, footsteps are rhythmic, efficient, purposeful. Exposed skin burns cold while rivulets of perspiration swell under his jacket and knit hat. Headlamp bobbing, painting the ice and asphalt in a blue pool of visibility. A white peripheral flash startles, four hooves clomp, clack, slip then recover. Determined paths are crossed. The deer scurries through the cottonwood and Lodgepole, intent on reaching safety deeper in the forest. His heartbeat has quickened as a warm shot of adrenalin directs the spine to straighten and the legs to accrue speed. His mind has already calmed but his body must burn off the chemical before resuming the prior pace. A passenger along for the ride, he is suddenly aware of the foreground developing into a small beach and a shimmering silver blue lake. Across the lake a snow capped mountain range surges upward, basked in deep hues of blue and purple. Above the mountains a contrasting tangerine sky is a glorious reward. He is tranquil and fulfilled. He rounds the corner and up the rough asphalt toward home. He is ready now. Prepared for another incredible day.