Forest At Dusk

Dusk brings a primal knowing into my soul, I can smell the nearness of the watching ones. Animal is here, I have no idea if it be bear, panther, deer, quail or mouse, but I feel it watching me. It waits for me to still myself or leave; my choice. My keen dog hearing listens for the snap of a twig or a crunching hoof print in the spongy leaves. I hear nothing. It is as silent as death in the timber tonight. birds have disappeared a cattail moves gently shadows get darker Sit as still as I dare, staring into the surrounding forest, trying not to think about whatever is crawling up my left knee. Spider? Chigger? Wood tick? I dare not smack it, not wanting to scare the animal away. I sense something ethereal and wonderful is going to happen at this pond, surrounded by giant oaks. tree turns into fawn shes followed by her mother buck takes breath away They enter the pond in a majestic sort of way. Pond parts as they glide into it, turning themselves into it as if they have been gently stirred by a giant hand. Words have not been invented to describe my feelings as I stare at these mesmerizing creatures. They do not see me, but one may sense I am here. There is a hoarse cough. They still themselves. Stand as statues. Ears raised. Is it my smell? They continue drinking. fireflies flit by adding magic to the night i stay forever Written 8-29-2020 Contest: Let the Pens Flow Haibun Poetry Contest Sponsor: Jenish Somadas