October 25, :30-4:00 P.M.

 I had passed this way a hundred times. Again, I was up to my neck in commuter traffic, on my way home, and sitting at the traffic light at Concord. To my left was the sign, which read, "Walden Pond." I had a choice to make: to move with the traffic toward home, or take a pause in my day, to rebel, and stop. But there were obligations to fulfill. People were expecting me to arrive at an appointed hour.  I put my turnsignal on, and decided to follow a sign.

 A one-minute drive, and a one-minute walk from parking lot is Henry Thoreau’s cabin. My mood turns casual— unrushed. I resist the urge to rush up to the door. I pace myself, a saunterre.

 In a barren grove, of oaktrees, Thoreau stands and looks into his palm. Is he thinking of the blood- life rushing through his veins? Does he see the universe within his hand?

 I kneel below and contemplate his form;  It blends in with earth and tree;  Human form and natural form are one;  Flesh, bone, bark, water, and blood, the same.

 I approach the cabin with anticipation. I feel at home, as if I were going home. I had not expected these feelings. I am in the presence of something new, something natural and real.

 I am filled with anticipation.  Light filters in upon the floor, and invites me in.  I walk slowly toward the door.

 I am standing in the doorway to the cabin. Here is where, on a day like this, that Walden was written. Here is where a man has time to reflect, write, and live life deliberately. I stand silently serene and reverential. I never want to leave this spot.

 The proper stove will heat our home and cook our food. What more do we need?  I have my notebook and a pencil.  I have one good book.

On a cold night in the fall or deepest winter, all Thoreau needed to do was stoke the stove, crawl under the covers, and fall peacefully asleep.

 The rush hour has begun; but I am off- road now.

 I retrace my steps, back up from Walden Pond.  A friend that I had seen before, says “Hey, Halloo!”  I smile, say nothing, and move on toward  Thoreau’s cabin, my car, and the road.  I start up, and put the car in gear.  Careful not to go too fast, I pass  Slowly, and with reverence up the drive  And to the road, and to the light, and home.