Schmeeckle Reserve By Riley Smith Seeking solitude from the busy world I follow the winding trail Past a sign that reads Schmeeckle Reserve and a fence of worn split rail Leaving behind the stresses and worries and entering into a place of peace, A place of birds, deer, and butterflies, in the shade of a thousand trees. No sound I hear except the whisper of the wind in the towering pine And the sweet song of birds as they fly about, oh how soothing to my mind. I forget all my worries as I walk further still through prairies and forest tall Enchanted by the wonders of nature, both large and very small. Past bubbling creeks and swaying reeds, I stop as I see a deer Whose curious stare reminds me then that I am the visitor here. As my walk of solitude nears complete and I walk through the final curve I say goodbye to this place of peace, goodbye to Schmeeckle Reserve.