In The Forest

Gone are the beaver who once pooled
the forest stream and now it trickles steadily
to the great river beyond. The dimness of
the forest interior backlit by its movable
curtain of green reflects stands of oak
and beech, maple and birch newly leafed
to once again compete with pine, spruce
and hemlock in fulfilling nature's purpose
a crowded, thriving haven for wildlife
where the solitude and stillness but for
wind howling through the forest canopy
offers shelter even from the pelting rain
to bluejays, blackbirds and crows soon
to rest for the night while nighthawks
take their place cruising the dusk-laden
atmosphere. Nesting pairs of hawks and
flycatchers returning each spring to the
woodland fulfill their purpose in existence
as the cycle of return and rebirth grinds on
just as fungi erupt from the leafmass aged
humus on the forest floor where bracken 
curve their graceful plumes and wildflowers 
beckon bees and mayflies, Damselflies and
Dragonflies litter the atmosphere in their
perfect dance of rapacious rapture busy
in their assignment as the ongoing saga
of the natural world's blueprint decrees.