The eye of the hurricane

 

The hurricane had his eye on me

Because I was where I shouldn't be

Walking in the wild world; that's what I do

As the wind showed me how well he blew

Thought I'd shelter in the forest deep

Perhaps lay down there and have some sleep

Where the storm couldn't see where I was

Not a good excuse, lets say "Just because!"

I must say I was not hiding alone

Creatures quiet but wild wind did drone

It lasted for over an hour or two

Then got home as wife was making stew

She turned round and looked at dishevelled me

And said "Good, you are home in time for tea"

Image from www.pixabay.com

Dum's stone axe

Dum and Grunt were now friends and while the women looked for fish on the beach the men wandered off to explore the forest, streams and mountains. Yum liked having time with Dong to talk about their men and laugh.

That day the men followed the river upstream, finding it cool and dark whilst looking for animals in the forest. Grunt carried his spear as did Dum who also took woven bags for their finds.

The terrain got rugged and birdsong and animal cries ceased. Cautiously they pushed through the undergrowth following the stream where they could. Although Dum's sight was impaired his hearing was acute. Now and then he would cover his mouth to tell Grunt to keep quiet, Grunt was too noisy for Dum and he felt like hitting him. 

Suddenly Dum heard a noise it was the sound of stone striking stone. This time he hushed Grunt and whispered there was someone close by. Grunt strained his ears but shook his head. Dum listened again then pointed to where the sound was, then started off toward it. He then turned to Grunt indicating someone else was close by.

Then they saw him. The man was crouched by the stream chipping at stones collected from the water. He was tying the stones to short sticks with strips of vines. Eventually he fastened one tight and tried it out but the stone loosened immediately. Frustrated he gave up, took some stones with him and walked away.

They waited awhile then checked what he had been doing. Dum picked up some of the stones from the stream and put them in his bag. They kept looking for small animals but none came no doubt sensing the humans.

Dum wanted to get back home now as he knew where the man had erred. The stone head should be inserted in the handle and tied with vine strands. He knew he could make that weapon.

.

Word count 324

Image found at www.pixabay.com

The forest darkens

The sun was asleep this winter's evening
And a chill wind blew though each forest tree
While a lone wolf by chance now crossed my path
And a merry owl blinked his eyes at me

The trees darkened but the owl gave no hoot
Darknesses cloak took his time to swagger
He took off to find some prey to bother
He knew that without a light I'd stagger

Oh where was the bright moon this cloudy night?
I stumbled into tendils hanging low
There is slim chance I'll escape from the trees
What on earth is this itch below my knees?

Not sure this is the place where I came in
Yes it is, I see where my car is parked
It's underneath the old acacia tree
Think I should be home by half past three

Image found at www,pixabay,com

Wolves mournful song

The dark forest didn't beckon us
In fact the morning pines
Told us to stay away

For foolish man was stupid
To cull the wolves whose home
Was balance natures way

We have the police on every street
Forests have wolves instead
It's their job every day

There's no hospital in those dark woods
But wolves do whats right
So harmed ones put to flight

For then the wolves sing their mournful song
To let the forest know
One more friend had to go

Image found at https://pixabay.com/photos/wolf-canis-lupus-european-wold-1383977/

Walking in the forest

I love walking in the forest
Losing sight of road, rail and town
I want to hug the trees awhile
To dip my hands in bubbling streams
I've done it most of my long life
Such a pleasure with my dear wife

We'd sit us down with backs to trees
As birds appear when we are still
Owls would open one eye to check
"Whoo, whoo?" One whispers to their mate
"The usual two, they do no harm
They come from beyond Arnold's farm"

We sit down now part of the scene
Gum trees wave branches looking down
They seem quite pleased to see us too
As the west wind now makes them bow
A lone roo comes to check us out
Joined by mate and joey close by

Satisfied, forest comes alive
Geckos run up and down the limbs
The scent of trees tells us to stay
Every creature knows they're safe
My wife is crying and so am I
We'll remember this 'til we die    


Note: I have mentioned in odd previous posts that my wife was an avid bird watcher and needless to say I got roped in as well and many delightful moments were spent getting lost in forests or deserts hoping we could find our way back to the car. Occasionally we'd come across a bird or furry animal trapped in branches miles from anywhere and needing help to get away. There is nothing quite like seeing the surprise on a bird's face that we were not going to eat them but they were free to fly back home afterwards. 
     
Image found at https://pixabay.com/photos/forest-dark-woods-trail-path-1031022/

The girl with green eyes

I'm deep in the woods
Breathing in its scent
Sat down by the water
As is ripples away
I remember one day

Once we rode horses
Your friend owned them
Before you left me
Deep in the forest
Where we had a rest

We patted their necks
They nodded their heads
One nibbled the grass
Foxes concerned you
Fearing a to do

There was no problem
With their whinny call
Sending firm message
Releasing her fear
She was such a dear

Just where is she now?
It's such a long time
I loved her green eyes
I sit by the stream
Of her I still dream

Image found at https://pixabay.com/photos/horse-back-autmn-fall-82497/

The night I proposed

On that night I proposed to you the moon seemed to be so blue. She then covered her face jealously as you alone shone so shiny bright and thousands of stars twinkled with delight. 

Meanwhile when Adonis asked me to name the most beautiful woman in the world I told him honestly that it was you. Then he nodded as he knew that it was true and Venus bowed her angry head in shame.

So it was that a Nightingale sang sweet songs of love and a lone owl hooted from above. Then all was still as you softy answered "Yes". Then there was thunderous applause as the whole world now did sing as on your finger I placed a ring.

The wolves howled a chorus song and before too long the sun raised its head stirring people from their beds. It was then that they caught the drift and realized the village couple who had courted long now would be joined in Love's sweet song.

Image found at https://www.emilyhary.com/austin-onna-surprise-waterfall-proposal/

It was raining

Like a three act play
Writing the words that I speak
Changing my garments

Though it was raining
Thought I'd walk along the beach
To wave to the sea

I love the silence
Just the patter of raindrops
And swish of the tide

Small patch of blue sky
Gave sun a chance to beam goodbye
Bowing out sadly

How I love this Earth
At any time of the year
It fires up my soul

Walking the forest
Or climbing hills and mountains
Thus finding myself

Image found at https://unsplash.com/search/photos/wind-tree

The forest loves us

When were you the happiest? I asked, She smiled and said "When we were lost in the forest". I remembered those times too. We would take our lunch and binoculars. We did not have to walk far into the trees before we found a magic land. As we ventured further in the silence surrounded us. Occasional shafts of light ventured through the treetops and the tweets and coos were heard but unseen. As we slowed our pace we could hear the tinkle of a stream and tentatively made our way to obey its beckoning. A small area lit by an opening provided by a fallen tree was where we rested. The wild ones silence was broken by our stillness. It was as though in approval the birds got back to work and flew over the water to catch insects or have a bath. Some chortled with laughter others cooed lazily as we moved not a limb. Suddenly there was a shuffle as an animal ambled through the undergrowth and started digging with its snout close to us to find food. It was an Echidna that looked up at us with his beady eyes, nodded his head and continued his quest for ants. You then said to me "It is so beautiful I feel like singing"

                                                Singing with the stream
                                                 Rippling happily along
                                                   The forest loves us

I thought that this piece from 2015 deserved another outing

Image found at www.keys.lucidcentral.org

Felled forest

What do we need to see the truth
Of creatures habits here on Earth
Who can tend the land and sea's song?
Who by their actions do much wrong?

One thing to eat fruit from a tree
But felled forest a shame to see
Or kill life in fossil oil quest
When sun shines each day east to west

The oceans provide so much food
But our trash and waste does no good
What dirty creatures mans kind are
Careless here at home and afar 

Hibernating birds fail to come
Industry trashed their Asian home
Waste dumped in seas kill a reef
Man's a foul beast beyond belief

Politicians no problem see
All the while banks cheer with glee
Puppeteers pull strings of blind men
Thinking they'll take gold to heaven

For the climate will make a change
As storms and tides will disarrange
But man will want a profit still
Must keep money filling the till

Image found at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deforestation_of_the_Amazon_rainforest

A day in the forest

Dawn; faint glittering rays of sunshine
Now beams through the branches of the trees
The forest awakes this summer morn
Now some unwelcome guests appear
Just up Hillside road woodcutters are here

Trucks arrive as teams now start their job
Trees chosen are cleared at their base
For first bite of axe this day's morn
Then faint groans, birds fly off in haste
The workmen's manner quite wooden faced

As trees fall, forest life has all fled
Rotary blades trim off the waste
Trees left now whisper quite forlorn
As smell of sawdust fills the air
While workers joke a laugh without care

Felled timber is taken from the scene
As melting sun sinks in the west
A terrace of tree stumps looks forlorn
Returning wildlife see their sad plight
They know they'll need new shelter tonight

Image found at https://pixabay.com/en/forest-cut-down-a-tree-trunk-tree-2995502/

Days numbered

The tall trees whisper a welcome as I enter the forest. They know me well as I talk to them and listen to me as I carefully place my feet and watch her furry and feathered friends climb and fly around and make their homes in her arms. There are sighs of contentment that all is well there and the clear streams below run tinkling with laughter. 
Lately however the trees have sighed with pain as sad tidings are brought from afar on the wind. They tell of soot and chemicals on their leaves and of visitors that leave poison in the water. The trees shake with fear when the wind blows and know that man is a monster hell bent on destruction with chainsaws in their hands.

                                                   Will the Earth survive
                                             Now with the monster let loose
                                                 And our days numbered?





Image found at https://www.pinterest.com.au/pin/16536723615852842/?lp=true

On the bank of the lake

Laying on the bank of the lake
Your head on my tummy
Fast asleep, unaware
Of the splash of the otter
Or the sigh of fir trees
Our limbs were intertwined
As I kissed your slim wrist
I now felt your pulse beat
And the warmth of togetherness

On the other side of the lake
Wolf emerged from its den 
Now carrying a cub
Staring at us in doubt 
Wishing we were not there
Putting us all at risk
A cool wind now sprang up
You shivered now smiling
At me and evening's fading light

"It's time to go" I said scanning
The dark lake's other side
The wolf was not in sight
"Let's hope the woodstove's lit"
As we got up to leave
Nature's portal again
Return to traffic noise
TV and foolish talk
Hearty meal and steaming coffee

Image found at https://www.vix.com/es/btg/curiosidades/8874/los-5-mejores-padres-del-reino-animal

Singing this sad song

Late evening slowly darkens
I love our walks in summer
The day's air now cool and clear
Skies darken, the stars come out

Twinkling lights take charge up there
Croaking frogs still like to shout
Your soft warm hands safe in mine
Fireflies flash as we pass them by

Moon peeps from behind a tree
For nightlife and us to see
Now lighting up your beauty
You let me taste your soft lips

But I wake up having dreamed
Singing this sad song of you
Pretending you were still here
As you always used to be

Image found at http://favim.fr/image/2175723

Young love

I remember the olden days
Bonfire burning in the backyard
Daffodils blooming under the trees
You on a branch with your dirty knees

Were the daughter of the man next door
We'd walk to school but not say much
Didn't mingle with the other boys
"Cept for me, you'd play with my toys

First we were shy and didn't touch
We'd go for walks in the forest deep
In the creeks we'd splash and play
You could point out Larks and the Jay

We found a rope on a tall branch
You were the first to try it out
We spent hours whizzing in the air
Laughing, shouting without a care

But life's calendar ticks away
Time came when we did more than play
We found a place to love and kiss
Woven lives of raptuous bliss

Then your family moved away
I wonder where you are today
Mingled emotions they do smart
As now I nurse a broken heart


Image found at www.istockphoto.com

The forest dark

I love the forest dark
Whispering sad secrets
Of death decaying while
The fragrant scent of life
Now blooming in its wake

Chirrup of birds hidden
The slither of mean snakes
The howl of red foxes
The scare of the spiders
Web now brushing your face

The alarm of creatures
Sensing burning embers
Even from far away
Assuaged by rain showers
Setting the birds singing

I love the dark forest
The chuck-chuck of alarm
Then quiet as I sit
A snake slithers past now
Paying this man no mind

Image found at www.nj.gov/dep/greenacres

Woodland Green

I like to wander in the wild
This I've down since I was child
Losing myself in woodland green
The forest wraps me up unseen

Sweet scented lover and a friend
She knows me for I don't offend
Her sights, her scents they are such bliss
I surrender to this passionate kiss

There's a dark pool and drifting stream
Buzzing insects complete this dream
Above the rooks are wheeling high
As scudding clouds drift in the sky

I hear now cheeping, it is the best
So count the chicks in hidden nest
Before the mother find me there
Lest she abandon it in fear

Now there's signs of twilight's gloom
And must away before night's perfume
Signals that I'm am not welcome here
For ancient ones ways I do fear

I hurry to the forest's edge
It's lighter here amongst the sedge
What adventure it is to roam
But still I'm glad to come back home

Image found at www.7-themes.com

The night forest

Now that I am here
I lean against oak tree
Listen to whispers

This is a wild world
The birds having a gossip
The stream tinkles on

A wild cry is heard
Furry creatures quarreling
Love will have its way

Snap of a branch
The undergrowth is stirring
With one shriek of pain

Old foes meet again
Territorial dispute
To talk it over

Perching now stock still
Owl's eyes follow me around
Old doubting Thomas

Looks me up and down
Checks my authenticity
To be there at night

Gets ready to tilt
Into his swooping attack mode
To drive me away

Brushes against my hat
A scream like a Banshee tells me
I am unwelcome

Image found at www.dailymail.co.uk

At the first crack of dawn

Before first crack of dawn
My best chum (dog of course)
Poked his wet nose on mine

For we have simple rules                          

While I’m busy at work                               

He’ll stay and mind the house                 

But on every weekend                                     

We must go for a long walk                       

As well as the usual                                               

Slick and quick ones around                    

The ‘burbs night and morning                  

Dogs are so fair that way

So I unlocked the garage

We got into the car

Paws and thumbs were numb

As is was still so cool

And as luck would have it

Roads were not wet or slick

We left the city's thrum

Dawn's sun sparked up ahead

And found the forest green

To succumb to her charms

Now breathing easier

Worries crumbled away

Dog’s tongue lolled out of mouth

All troubles left behind

Those irksome neighbors cats

Numbed from his canine mind

We were in paradise

At the first crack of dawn

Image found at www.animalwellnessmagazine.com

I love the forest

I love the forest

I have that irrational urge

To lose myself there

I want to frolic

Roll in the flowers blooming

Talk to the wild ones

I feel like a child

Bathing naked in the stream

On a bright morning

Any season will do

Hold my face up to rainfall

Bask in summer’s sun

How alive I am

When birds twitter their friendship

Filled with belonging

How I love autumn

Blanketed with fallen leaves

Such is rest for me

I love the forest

It’s my reason for living

There’s room there for me

Image found at www.miriadna.com