Writing in the Natural Environment – Pocono Critters

The range of wildlife in the Pocono region is incredible. It provides me with an endless supply of images that often end up animating my creative work. For example, I thought I knew what happiness was until I saw this tiny frog exploring the back lawn at Pennsyl Pointe. From buggy eyes to webbed feet he was smaller than the top joint of my thumb and exhilarating to watch. He must have just traded his tadpole tail for that pair of wild legs he now kicks with so much joy. Today he can hop up one side of a tuft of grass and jump right down the other – it’s his version of Olympic victory. When he rested near the roots of plants it was impossible to see him. His red orange color eliminated any contrast between him and the clay dirt at his tiny feet. It was the leap through vegetation that gave him away. A frog this small and red belongs to some science book my teachers never gave me. Unlike the green and grumpy ones, this one might actually convince a princess to kiss it.