I visited the park today. It was the last day of 1996. To my surprise a flock of geese were gathered in the softball field. They were wandering around scavenging for food so I fed them some crackers I carry in the trunk of my car for the ducks. The thick mud covering these creature's webbed feet was cracking as it dried. Coupled with the leaves the geese were picking up while walking about was actually hiding most of their web feet from my spectator's view. Some stood lifeless, curiously waiting my next move. I didn't need to move though so I stood in their midst with them for a while and remained lifeless as well. They began to flock around me as they became more comfortable with my presence. I was more unprepared for winter than my webbed friends were though, and the elements were getting to me as they came thorough my clothes to remind me that it was time to leave my feathered friends in their own comfortable environment and not disturb nature any longer. I quickly walked over to the pond where the park's keepers had drained it for repairs. The regular birds were there and they were receptive to my crackers as they came closer to me when I called -- although I really didn't need to call. Later, as I drove away that day, I looked back to see the geese taking flight in formation. It was then I realized their journey and mine crossed for a split second but what I learned from them and the experience was the pleasures to be found in slowing down and enjoying life in all its forms, thank God.
