Bedtime Story

 

When there are more leaves than people

Bluebirds and cardinals suffer few fools

Doves’ anniversary under peeling birch

Crows demand brunch without humor

Knowing what transpires

 

The long willow sways, the maple flutters

Blue spruce needles burst at fingertips

Squirrels hustle, glide with abandon

Chickadees visit in moments as summer lingers

Shade behind sunlight stretches in green time

 

Bats long gone from night shadows

Are mourned while honeybees persist

No intended flowers grow here

Paintbrushes and lilies and daisies

Spread only by the warm breath of God

 

The muddy brook clears from the storm

Few disturbed leaves have fallen

Do you remember green my child

The mother soothes reminiscing

It was all very beautiful