By Annabelle Kennedy, TIWP Student

what does it feel like to be among nature? they asked.

here’s the answer: 
it is wonderful. everlasting, slow like syrup, time is moving so slowly. you walk along roads dusted with gifts from the trees. the sunlight streams onto your face, lights up your whole body. the scent and sound of dirt and pine and deep rivers and nature fills your nose, your ears. are you a person, or are you a spirit, who finds shelter in the hollow logs where the children on camping trips play? are you here or there? are you standing on the earth or are you all around it, are it? are you even alive, or simply a cluster of cells gathering light and the flickering tails of salamanders as they float down rivers? the trees brush my shoulder with slender arms, finger-twigs across my face, a caress, a greeting. the moss and fields covered in waving grass whisper to me, calling, lay down here, close your eyes, rest. the wind and the bugs whine in my ears, an ancient howling buzzing chorus. the earth lifts its head and smiles. 
Welcome home, they sing to me 
Welcome back.