Nocturnal Forest

Edited to include "creatures of the night"

They wait for shadows
to rush and fill their forest home.
Then ushered in by the hoot of the owl
or the whip-poor-will’s call,
they appear as silently as the black of night itself.

A fawn in hiding ambles over to a pebbled pool.
Its family follows.
Fireflies flicker about like tiny lanterns
and the incessant murmur of insects 
fills the air.
Somewhere – cloaked in darkness – a frog croaks.
Soft splashes in the pool 
reveal ducklings paddling along.
Creatures of the night -
badgers, raccoons, and other tiny furry creatures -
scurry through bushes 
foraging for prey smaller than themselves.

Ears prick at the sound
of a lone wolf’s howl.

June 12, 2022
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

Poem

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Hind Avatar
August 16, 2024 at 6:12 PM
Very enchanting, liked your poem <3
Krutsinger Avatar
June 23, 2022 at 2:26 AM
"Creatures of the night - badgers, raccoons, and other tiny furry creatures - scurry through bushes "oh, yes! A beautiful write. Congratulations Andrea
Kauffman Avatar
June 17, 2022 at 10:28 AM
Andrea, your winning poem is like sitting quietly in the woods on a warm summer night with all the loveliest delights of sights and sounds spreading a cloak of serenity. Congratulations on your win. Thank you for the respite! Blessings!
Foster Avatar
June 16, 2022 at 8:24 AM
Busy imagery... wonderfully written together to create a master picture. Excellent work. ann
Marcum Wong Avatar
June 15, 2022 at 3:45 PM
So happy to see this on Brian’s short winning list Andrea. Congratulations my friend. Blessings xxoo
Blodgett Avatar
June 15, 2022 at 10:42 AM
A beautiful portrait of nature. Enjoyed the read.
Marcum Wong Avatar
June 15, 2022 at 1:09 AM
Your words have painted a serene picture with exquisite imagery Andrea. If for a contest, it is sure to be a top winner. I loved it! Blessings xxoo
Baker Avatar
June 14, 2022 at 3:26 PM
The many sounds of nature. I liked your poem, Andrea. The final two lines were great imagery. Have a great week my friend. Bill
Kannan Avatar
June 13, 2022 at 10:29 PM
What a magical place!!! Loved the fireflies and the lanterns comparison... lovely imagery throughout.
Walker Avatar
June 13, 2022 at 1:23 PM
There you go again, painting a picture in my mind. Your imagery is superb.
Parker Avatar
June 13, 2022 at 11:58 AM
your poem captures the forest very well though you forgot to mention the ticks and spiders...good luck in the contest
Cunningham Avatar
June 13, 2022 at 8:25 AM
Something magical about the forest at nightime where all the nocturnal creatures come out to search for food. Tom
Lawrence Avatar
June 13, 2022 at 7:44 AM
Andrea, You have painted such a vivd picture of night's creatures. I love each nuance of this . It came to life right in front of me. Sights, Sounds and smells ! Good luck in the contest! Hugs, Susan :)
Krutsinger Avatar
June 13, 2022 at 2:07 AM
This beautiful write went straight to my heart and my fave list Andrea
Hankins Avatar
June 12, 2022 at 6:33 PM
Beautifully written, Andrea. I had no idea how to approach this contest, and since Julia generally selects only three winners, I chose not to enter. Best wishes to you, though.
Anaya Avatar
June 12, 2022 at 5:49 PM
Andrea, graceful and flowing, your creatures of the night are a bucolic wonderland. Good Luck! Anaya
Ashley Avatar
June 12, 2022 at 4:27 PM
Dear Andrea, vibrant imagery brings me to the center of the nocturnal forest where I feel both the thrill and the chill of the nightlife.. your last two lines send a shiver down the spine. Such a stirring free verse. Best wishes for a win and warmest wishes for you, my friend.. ~Susan
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