Walking In The Woods

by Abbie Johnson Taylor

Despite limited vision,
I see blue sky, sunshine.
A robin’s song fills the air.
Gravel crunches beneath my feet.
I smell pine, lupin,
feel the whispering breeze,
as I pause to drink cool water,
reflect on nature I can appreciate.

~ ~ ~

For years during the summer months, I attended the Allen H. Stewart Lions Camp, located in the beautiful mountains west of Casper, Wyoming. Here, blind and visually impaired children and adults can learn such skills as daily living and mobility and take classes to help them develop such hobbies and crafts and woodworking plus participate in other fun activities including sports and recreation, picnics, and talent shows.

As an adult, one of my favorite activities at camp was nature hiking. I enjoyed breathing in the fresh mountain air and the scent of pine trees, hearing birds and other creatures, and being told about them plus flowers and plants by my sighted guide. This experience inspired several poems similar to this one about walking in the woods.

About twenty years ago, the adult program at the cam was discontinued due to lack of funding. This year, it was reinstated but canceled due to COVID concerns. Hopefully, they’ll be able to have it next year, and maybe then, I’ll take another walk in the woods.  For more information about the Allen H. Stewart Lions Camp, visit:  https://www.lionsofwyomingfoundation.org/summer-school.html

About the Author

Abbie Johnson Taylor is the author of two novels, two poetry collections, and a memoir. She is currently working on another novel. Her work has appeared in The Weekly Avocet, The Writer’s Grapevine, and other publications. She lives in Sheridan, Wyoming. Visit her website http://www.abbiejohnsontaylor.com.

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