Transitioning

A cold wind blows through the forest
shuffling tree masts back and forth
their foliage shivering even as the sun
heroically sends bright shafts through
the forest canopy creating a shifting
kaleidoscope of light to play on the
sodden forest floor. That light catches
and transforms raindrops remaining on
foliage into crystal beads like jewellery
adorning a beautiful woman. The lilting
chatter of chickadees flitting within
the forest interior punctuated by the
steady rhythm of a nearby woodpecker
the only sound in the tranquil interior
of the forest. But this is a ravine and
down below runs a waterway swollen
and thick with the detritus of cast-off
twigs and early-fallen foliage. Hovering
about the swiftly running stream are
Damselflies, Dragonflies and Butterflies
while bees still visit the fall asters not
yet in full decline. Red squirrels have
received the ancient message and now
frantically gather cones and nuts for
their pantry within the confines of old
pine trees. Summer is wearily preparing
its leave, fall eager to take its place.