Turkey Run State Park
by Michael Doyle

Indiana is prone to having a second winter appear
After it seems the real winter has disappeared
This was the circumstance in February 2024
When a snowfall came, inviting my family to explore

My daughters and I loaded up the SUV and hit the road
Making our way and allowing ourselves to let the day unfold
We agreed to make it an easy day on the wet, slippery rocks
It was less a day of distance, than it was filled with talks

As we looked out on Sugar Creek, we guessed at the etymology 
With the youngest taking an honest estimate of the symbology
Of why the creek had been named suggesting that it was sweet
It turned out that the resins of sugar pines on the banks secrete

A liquid that could make the water as satisfying as its seeds
Bringing pleasure to a sweet tooth, and answering hunger's needs
I'm always surprised at the thinking of this daughter of mine
And I love watching her develop as she grows and life refines

Like today, as we talked along this Driftwood River tributary
With seemingly every other step filled with her commentary
If I didn't watch myself, I would learn a remarkable lot
Things new and interesting, and reminders of things forgot

Over the suspension bridge, and into the Rocky Hollow Reserve
We explored the snow melt on this day that we deserved
There were photographs to be had and plenty of beauty
I was happily absorbed in the warmth of my fatherly duty

The joy that such a day brings in the good company I've found
Doing less talking, and more listening when they're around
I wondered, walking, just how many Native American fathers
Had walked these runs, enchanted, listening to their daughters

Lost up in the eroded sandstone beauty of the Mansfield formation
We felt doubly blessed in this place of splendid preservation
The snow's meltwater prevented us from walking far in the cold
Tales from the daughters allowed the day to unfold

          Just as it was meant to be...

(c) February 17, 2024   Michael Doyle
All Rights Reserved