Countering intuition, I set out for my early morning walk, tired, ego pushing me forward, memories of the past weighing as heavy as the early morning mist, my mind clouded, distracted

trees listing, the sidewalk jagged and slick

a family of deer ahead distressed, a stag willing me to turn back

headstrong

daring, flaring, glaring, staring

leery, eerie

bewitching, bewildering

losing my balance

headlong

something pulling me forward, lengthening, my right elbow breaking my fall, shoulder jarred, abrasions, one small deep cut, pain numbed by surprise, hurt and unhurt, softening my heart, awakening

Relentless quiet
Suspended animation
Hopelessly in love