The Free Radical

Perhaps I’m beginning to repeat myself already, but perhaps this bears repeating… I am no mere tourist, a vacationer to the forest; I am forest.

“Warning!” shouts Ground Squirrel.

“What?” comes the reply. “It’s only Niels.” And they continue about their business unconcerned.

Grouse raises her family in so many places I frequent. When I arrive, she pays me as much mind as a rock or a tree. I have to be careful not to accidentally step on her or her children… she trusts me.

Tiny Chipmunk climbs high into the bush because he wishes to look me in the eye. He stares at me from perhaps a foot away, patiently waiting for me to remove my pack, retrieve my camera, and capture his declaration of bravery/solidarity.

I have been harmonized to the forest vibe. No longer do I strike the discord of our outmoded human culture. Beyond acceptance, my presence is expected here. I am the prodigal son come home. I belong to something bigger than humanity itself. I am the dirt between my own toes. I am Earth… turning… re-evolving…