O, not Oprah

Why do parks calm and refresh,
Backyards give a sense of peace,
Beaches, mountains, forests, plains,
Even deserts give a rush
Of pure pleasure?  Oxygen
May be part of the answer:
Leave stale air in house or car,
Stand near trees and blow out pain,
Breathe in health, escape the walls,
Fences, ceilings, chemicals,
Television, motor sound,
Hear your own breath, look around…

– Steve Shoemaker, Urbana, IL, August 14, 2014