Its Denizens

The density of the tree growth in the forest
is impressive and so is the topography
called a ravine yet so widespread that
there are many ravines, many rivulets
at each of the valleys sided by steeply
sloped hills that shelter the rarely-seen
animals for which the forest is their
natural habitat. Accessibility to the
forest not far from a large urban area
is far from difficult with many points
of entry for the curious and those who
enjoy exploring along with their equally
curious companion animals eager to
lope along the trails that emerged long
ago when animals and then people began
to launch a presence in the byways and
hidden areas of the forested ravine. It is
where teens meet secretly at night to
light fires both to sit around and smoke
weed and drink, occasionally to torch the
hollowed-out interior of majestic old
pines. It is where fleeting glimpses of
deer and foxes, raccoons and skunks can
be seen as they slink from trail to under
story. It is where nocturnal animals hunt
the owls and raccoons and a new breed of
coyote whose heritage is wolf and coyote
and when dusk enters and night falls it is
best to find shelter from the eerie silence.