I stand on the pine needle rug
As leaves blanket the ground
Trees’ orange-tipped fingers
Gliding gently to earth;
Above in the drifting clouds
Swallows leave in flocks
Heading south for warmer days
As winter’s icy breath approaches;
The wind is fresh and clean
With the scent of vegetation
Sun glows low on the horizon
Shining orange through undergrowth;
As I look around in awe
I see nature’s elaborate palette
An artwork of red and gold
Painted over the forest canvas;
Evergreens stand tall with pride
Emerald as their companions blend
From yellow to orange to copper
And leaf litter crunches under my feet;
Squirrels gather their winter stock
Bury it deep beneath the ground
As fungi begin to show their faces
Shedding spores into the cool air;
I cannot see but I can guess
That underneath the leaf piles
Hedgehogs close their sleepy eyes
And fall into slumber ’till spring.