NIGHTS IN WOODS

Nights in winter:
Ice encased branches
bending, creaking, cracking,
from unceasing wind
in the night.
Snow swirling,
streets glistening,
trees bending,
lake freezing,
wind howling,
faces freezing.

Nights in spring:
Fragrant lilac blooms
fill night air with promise
of blossoms urged by
sun and rain.
Drops plinking,
rain dancing,
puddles forming,
flowers drinking,
trees awakening,
moon shining.

Nights in summer:
Wind both hot and cold
cautions of pending storm
alert to keep a
watchful eye.
Lightning cracking,
thunder rumbling,
wind roaring,
rain pounding,
lights dimming,
nerves jangling.

Nights in autumn:
Flames dance on dry logs
slowly turning to ashes;
embers of Last Rites
for a tree.
Stars twinkling,
crickets chirping,
embers glowing,
flames licking,
corn popping,
faces warming.


K K McClelland
December 5, 2000