Here is the start of a story I have yet to finish
Sojourner trudges along the dirt road lifting one foot and placing it in front of the other methodically, as if on autopilot. Another country road no different then the countless other country roads traveled on. For many months he has been traveling these winding country roads now. Dust dances up from the ground and kisses his face leaving it's mark. Something within compelled him to start this journey. A journey it has been too. Memories of all the villages and farms he had visited and the faces of those he met along the way flash through his mind, bringing a smile to his parched lips and a spring to his step. He catches glimpse of a robin flying by carrying a long wiggly worm for chirping young, in a nest tucked in the branches of the apple tree nearby waiting eagerly with beaks open. Off in meadow beyond the apple tree deer, tall, majestic and serene grazes, looks up and darts away quickly and silently.
On the other side of the road just beyond the stone wall, He sees a farmer coaxing his horse forward whilst he plows his field. The rich dark soil being turned over and loosened up in preparation for planting. Ahhh, yes sojourner thinks as he breaths in deeply, and smiles. His father taught him well to appreciate the smell of good soil. His mind flashes back to being but a wee lad, running through the fields barefoot. The warm summer rain falling, the squish of wet soil between his toes and the freedom that he felt as he ran winding his way between the rows of well tended crops. Good soil is a farmer's gold that assures his crops will yield a bountiful harvest and earn him top dollar at the market. He remembered the joyous fall festival, the great thanksgiving feast his village held every year. Thoughts of his mother's fresh baked apple pie made his mouth water.The music and laughter, the dancing and merriment went on til all hours of the night. At the break of dawn a lone minstrel would play a haunting melody closing out the celebration and all would head back to their homesteads feeling satiated, looking forward to the next years celebration
Sojourner takes this all in and continues on his journey looking forward to what awaits him. Could it be around the next bend in the road? Could it be over the next hill or just beyond the horizon? Where would his next adventure begin? There always seemed to be a purpose a reason for his travels. He never really knows what the reason is until he stumbles upon it or it is made known to him as circumstances played out. But his life has been made deeper, richer for having been there. Wisdom gained from these experiences inspires him to press on,travel on. Never knowing when or where he ultimately is going to end up. Looking forward also to who he might meet along the way. These thoughts intrigue and excites his mind. As he thinks of all that had happened in the past . How he had been stretched out of his comfort zone at times to do what he had not dared to try before. Each time, as hard as it had been, it was all worth it in the long run.
He eyes a stream, a babbling stream with water playfully dancing amongst the rocks and heads toward it.Refreshing sight to this dusty traveler indeed. He cups his hands and drink the fresh cold water and is lips are parched no more. he scoops up more water in his cupped hands and splashes it on his face and drips off his chin and down on to his chest. He laughs heartily to himself,turns to face the sun letting it warmth dry his skin. A soft breeze gently blows across his face. plenty of food in his knapsack , fresh water from the stream and sun warming his face. He looks around and is happy with this location. All the necessities for a good camp found right here and then some. The sweet fragrance of flowers wildflowers growing and of course the babble of the water nearby. What a lovely spot to be in. He savors with delight this smorgasbord of senses and decides to linger in the moment. He looks around and finds a soft grassy patch. as he sets down his pack, stretches out on the grass and lies down he is lulled into a tranquil rest.