Retreat

Retreat

I'm overwhelmed

by my list of things to do.

Instead of doing more,

I need to escape,

relax, unwind, renew.

I need to find respite

in nature's soothing balm.

I need to stroll in the garden

and check on the mums.

Let the cool breeze make me calm.

I need to listen to seed pods rattle

and leaves rustle in the air.

I need to hear squirrels chatter

and blue jays shriek

as they issue each other a dare.

I need to feel the sun

warm on my skin.

I need fresh air to breathe,

 releasing the stress, 

stopping the spin.

I need to center my thoughts 

on the yellow begonias

and the flitting honey bees.

I need to sit and spend some time

in the shade of the maple trees.

I need to watch the clouds

drift by in the sky.

I need to clear my mind

and set free my spirit

before I give life's chores another try.