Bewitched

In an earlier era of human development

when people lived closer to nature

forests were both useful and places of

great mystery which seemed to offer an

aura of threat to nearby residents whose

children were taught the folklore of the

forest as an object lesson in fear in their

introduction to Hansel and Gretel and the

witch that inhabited every deep, dark

forest interior as well as Little Red Riding

Hood whose grandmother a wicked wolf 

impersonated. One never knows for there

was also Good King Wenceslas who espied

a needy peasant on Christmas Eve. In this

modern era when the bulk of any population

is far removed from natural surroundings

few such fascinating fears are instilled in

children where forests are less threatening

and perhaps feature as places of adventure.

Where stalwart souls seek out the ambiance

of a forgotten world their ancestors knew

and now cheekily find comfort amidst the

trees and the wildlife awaiting discovery.

In mine alone a spirit of mischief prevails

for some arcane soul wanders the trails when

none others are about leaving behind items

placed in inconspicuous places ripe for

surprise and discovery. In winter minuscule

snowmen well detailed sit atop tree stumps

and in spring painted rocks spell out cheery

messages. The latest confounding message

espied looped on the inner branches of a

venerable wild apple tree that of a miniature

doghouse, complete with resident awaiting

a chance discovery left by the forest's spirit.