Cardinal Enjoys the Forest

Azure blue shadows add ultimate joyfulness to the forest Gently moving brook waiting for deer and raccoon Subtle greens and turquoises enhance her landscape A sense of mystery and meditation, a private, sacred place Not one sound, not a single smell, not a bit of movement As stillness surrounds the black trees, who wait for something Anticipating beauty in the form of a wolf or fox Nothing wanders this way; the rocks wait soundlessly. It is not yet break of day, the nocturnal creatures are asleep. The raccoons are nestled in the tops of trees, arms around babies. An unnatural silence surrounds the woods, embracing her. Not a single footstep, a cough, or a snapped twig in this sanctuary. The few creatures who are awake, are not noise makers. Minnows, lady bugs, ants, beetles, moving stealthily, Enjoying the coolness that goes along with morning dew A red cardinal flies in and perches on a branch, changing everything. A bit of scarlet against these blues and greens Awaken the oaks and the elms, they begin to awaken. The cardinal feels her power and begins to chirp and whistle. Waking up the forest in the most delightful ways possible. Written 11-23-2020 Contest: On Your Marks Naturally Sponsor: Julia Ward