Forest Aflame
September rains could not put out
sparks that set the forest aflame.
Forest beasts, scurrying about
with innate scamperings, self-same
in prior incendiaries,
take part in this unending game,
branch to branch in furtive scurries.
The red flame, gradual at first,
spread through the woods in swift flurries,
licking each leaf to quench its thirst,
from under-growth to tree and bush
painting nature, a mad florist.
Now every leaf a ruddy blush
till the whole forest was ablaze,
and from each leaf the green it flushed.
The autumn dance, a Dervish craze,
with wispy winds stirring the flames,
waltzes in a different phase.
Forest creatures assert their claims
and in speedy rush they gather
all they can find: seed, nut and grains.
With the coming of November,
the leafy flames dance themselves out.
Each leaf, now a dying ember,
meets the dismay of winter’s pout
leaving every branch charred and bare.
Now all the fires have been put out
and forest beasts without a care,
now safely curl up in their lair
awaiting for the green spring fair.
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