Zilker Park

Good morning Sunshine, that’s what mom always said. I woke this morning to those kind words, the memory anyway. A gentle reminder that even though she passed a few months ago, she’s still with me.

I’m sitting on my bed near an open window at an Airbnb just north of Austin. The morning air is cool and drifts through the screen along with songs from at least four distinct birds. The loudest, some kind of grackle, makes a click— click— click noise. Sparrows chirp away too. And, far off, barely audible, a warbler sings experimental jazz. Groovy! “Hey man, send some of that inspiration my way!”

Last Sunday, I bicycled around Zilker Park. At first, I was pretty disappointed. I expected a nice paved bike path. Instead, the trails were fine, hard packed gravel. People strolled and jogged shoulder to shoulder in places, so the best I could do was poke along. “Even little expectations lead to disappointment. Now— there’s— a lesson to save away”.

Studying a map, I thought I’d cross over to the city-side, ride along the river to the next bridge, and loop back to my car.

Construction city-side was amazing. Wow! Overlooking the river, tall buildings were going up everywhere. Most were apartments, so— more crowds for the park:(

Sitting on a low wall taking in the view, I watched freight elevators slide up and down the new buildings. Topping each one was a huge crane, and when I squinted, the skyline looked like huddling children wearing propeller beanies. The workers scurried around like ants building fantastic, futuristic anthills. Then, from nowhere, a song  popped into my head.

“Well, I got a fine wife I got an ol’ fiddle, When the sun’s comin’ up I got cakes on the griddle, Life ain’t nothin’ but a funny funny riddle, Thank God I’m a country boy!” (John Denver- Thank God I’m A Country Boy.)

HaHaHa, I wonder where that cheerful song came from. It reminds me of a peaceful home, chores, gardening, spending time with loved ones, simple things, good times…

Well friends, dawn’s gone, the birds have stopped singing, and the Texas sun’s chased away the morning chill. It’s time to close the window, turn on the AC, and get back to writing.

 Happy trails!