Trinity Trail, Highland Park North, Lavon, Tx

The birds announce my presence, darting from one limb to the next. The trees too seem to know I’m coming, whispering through intertwined root systems deep beneath the horse’s footfall. And there is a directness hidden here behind the rustling leaves and sighing winds, the still waters of Wilson Creek which mirror the trees above.

And there is evidence of turtles, a plop and a splash, ripples emanating from fallen deadwood, the sudden fluster of wings as a flock of duck takes flight, Mallards perhaps.

And then the Sycamore trees. The grand masters of the forest, taller and branching wider than any other with their shredded bark and smooth white underbelly. With age, the Sycamore often decays from the inside out and in this, the small forest animals find shelter; and in this, the tree gives its heart away.

The trail itself is one of packed dirt, rooted, grassy in places where the sun breaks through. It meanders along the creek for as long as it wants then shifts course. Where? Towards the purr of a lawn mower; things-to-do; civilization - as if it suddenly decided, enough! There is only so much vulnerability to be had.

I find the Sycamore tree to be quite a fine tree.

For more info on the Trinity Trail: https://www.trinitytrailriders.org/