In a forest, dead,
with scattered leaves
Its ground frozen,
and wilted of color
A falcon perches
Unperturbed
By snarling predators
Strung about
Upon the forest floor
The wolf strays
But never loses sight
Of its many allies
Seeking sustenance to share

The wind bellows
Through canopies above
Swaying the trees
To sing their song
Their language lost to time

The deer flee
Adorned in fear
And mystery
No home stays safe

The robin cries
To find its lifeblood
A mate, a partner;
A legacy

The owl
Wise as ever
Stays hidden
‘Til nightfall,
and easy pickings

Crows fly by,
In murderous surplus
Strung amiss on winds
Which tarry absently
Mice hide underfoot
In leaves
and burrows aplenty
Scavenging whatever’s left behind

In peaceful silence,
The songs of life
Break tension

The trickling
Of a stream
Can be heard
in the distance
A forest, dead,
with scattered leaves
Still very much alive
Upon further inspection