The Great Reversal

This morning, I went for a hike with my friend, Beth, at our local state park a 450-acre haven of gardens and trails along the shore of the Merrimack River. These days, the parking lot is usually full and the trails are scattered with socially-distanced humans (and dogs) walking, hiking, or jogging through the woods.

Sometimes, as I move along the familiar paths, I secretly pray that the park works its magic on everyone who enters. I imagine the sweet smell of wild honeysuckle or ancient...