Fall in the Jewell Wetlands

Fallen cottonwood trees

Trees leaning different directions

The first glance of the wetlands was unreal, it was a whole new experience that bloomed inside my pilpuls. Every single plant started to change whether it was from colors, or leaves falling. But what stood out to me the most was how every single tree leaned in different directions. It reminded me of John Muir's "A Wind storm in the forest" on how he noticed that every tree moves its own way in the wind. Every tree has its own strength when it comes to a storm, some are strong enough to withstand, while the others are too weak that will eventually fall. There were trees that fell all the way down, while some were leaning like they wanted to touch the ground.

Contrast of colors

Walking through the trail felt peaceful and relaxing. Leaves would occasionally fall on the path, spinning and swaying through the air. Wind blowing through the branches creating a harmony that only nature can make. In every corner of the park was a beautiful contrast between golden yellow, bright red, and deep green, it made me everything feel alive. So alive it made want to climb a tree just like John Muir. But i never found my Douglas spruce that seemed sturdy.

I felt one with nature observing every movement that surrounds me. The ducks playing in the pond splashing with their wings, rabbits running through the bushes, people walking the same trail lost in their own thoughts, and above all birds soaring through the sky. I felt like i was apart of one big mystery. Just like the Lakota's i wanted to put my ear close to the ground to hear the heart of the great mystery. I felt connected to all living things: birds, rabbits, grasshoppers, cotton wood trees, cottontails, and human beings. I respected everything.

Scarlet Gilia

Towards the end of the trail, i found a singular scarlet gilia that wasn't surrounded by any plants, just by itself standing alone in the dirt. Their petals were very bright red and seemed healthy. It reminded me of a small flame that doesn't want to go out, a strong one that keeps going. It made me realize that this singular isolated scarlet gilia are just like humans. We can keep the flame bright and thrive even though being surrounded by emptiness. Each animal, or plant holds a silent strength to keep going. That's what makes nature so beautiful.

As i left the wetlands, i thought to myself that every moment i spent in that park i learned something new about life. The trees, plants, animals, humans and one red gilia are all interconnected by a sense of survival and balance. It made me realize just like John Muir and the Lakota's that the best way to understand nature isn't from the sight, smell, or touch but from the heart. leaving the park i felt alive, as a person that's apart of the great mystery.