Forest Nocturne

Forest Nocturne

I am easily disoriented by

by the shortening days

as winter’s breath creeps up

and darkness looms.

But I forget,

and take a walk

that is a little too long

for the allotted daylight.

As the sun begins to settle

behind the trees

and the shadows lengthen

into nothingness,

I feel a presence in the woods.

The warm earth cools

and the rising mist

veils the rock masses

and fallen trees.

And the audience begins to assemble

in their usual places

for the evening concert.

I am the uninvited guest.

So I hasten my pace

towards home.