LEAPS woods walk

LEAPS woods walk 9-4-08 – Steve Hahn

When I emerged from the woods, tailing behind the main part of the group but conscious of getting back to Bahnik before the end of class, I was confronted by machine noise and smell – cutting grass, blowers with too much gasoline invading the atmosphere. And there were suddenly so many people, ready to leave school after the first day, animated, smiling, energized but all getting into cars and buses and I wanted to turn around and head down the hill back into the trees.

There was such a contrast with the human-quiet trail – all these seniors gradually transitioning from obedient to actually seeming to enjoy as they snaked down the path. When I caught up with the group I sat down knowing that some would join me and others would not, wondering if we all should leave together or if there would be a few who chose another path – two roads diverging… What about those slapping at bugs that I had not noticed? Why are bugs so ultra-selective, only bothering those who are uncomfortable? or maybe that is why they were uncomfortable.

The group responded well to the request for silence. It always runs through my mind that there are some who throw themselves wholeheartedly into a new experience and others who are cynical or want to know what the answer is even before the question is fully formed – but this group had expressions of anticipation, a few penetrating looks that were reassuring and in general I felt that September mandate to get to know these students.

So I guess my own mind was racing in too many directions for full engagement with Coffin Woods; this walk was a gift to share with 2009 -- I’ll run through there on my own next week. -- SLH