The Unseen Presence

They are shy and therefore
unseen, yet their distinct
voices inform us of their presence
on this superb fall day; deep
within the forest glowing green
with needled conifers contrasting
bare-branched deciduous trees
denuded, their lushly-coloured
foliage not yet desiccated
generously foliating the forest floor.
The bluejays' calls piercing
the cold, crisp air of autumn, the
punctuated blips of chickadees
and nuthatches teasing from the
deeply needled interiors. And
we, our boots disarraying the crisp
layers of foliage plumping the
trails, note the colour palette
of nature's transition still
evident on large, heart-shaped
dogwood leafage, in sumptuous
patterns and hues of gold, copper,
scarlet and pink. Above, dark
clouds conspire to invade the
ocean of blue, stubbornly
anchoring on the peaks of
the mountains, beyond.