A Walk In The Park Poem by Jim Yerman

There is an island not too far from our home, a famous Florida landmark
With pristine beaches and nature trails, known as Honeymoon Island State park.

In the 1940’s huts were built for newlyweds to enjoy the seclusion of the dunes
And the name Hog Island was (thankfully) changed to the more engaging, Honeymoon.

The huts are long gone but when the weather’s fair and we don’t care about the clock
It is still a wonderful place of solitude...and to take a little walk.

Since it’s an island no matter where you are you can hear the ocean roar
As you watch a family of dolphin frolic or collect seashells upon the shore.

If you take the nature trail, in no time at all you are aware
Of the many ospreys, owls, eagles and smaller birds all nesting there.

You never know what you may see as the options before you unfold
If you’re lucky you’ll meet a gopher tortoise (their species they’re quite old!)

If you wander where you shouldn’t you might provoke a hefty rattlesnake’s wrath
Although we’ve been lucky for in all our years of walking one has never crossed our path. :)

As you meander through you can smell the clean air infused with ocean brine
And the unmistakable aroma of those tall Australian pines.

Today we watched an armadillo ignore us as he rooted around some plants
Searching for his dinner among a menu of insects, worms or ants.

A large heron too dismissed us, stoically waiting for his opportunity
To snatch whatever tasty animal was scurrying up a tree.

And while our eyes and nose were feasting on the beauty all around
Our ears were also treated to a myriad of sounds.

From the constant rumble of the ocean surf, to the birds mellifluous tune
It’s easy to understand why they named this island Honeymoon.

For just like on our Honeymoon, we didn’t have to travel very far
To realize what a great life we have and how lucky we both are.

I guess when you stop to think about it, it’s those little things that leave their mark
Like the time you spend together while walking in the park.