Once again the leaves were talking to me!

Rain spoke above the snarl of a four-wheeled swarm,

while bushes shook, like a wet dogs.

The slugs rushed for cover.

It was wonderful; Dog Shadow sparkled

and smiled at me as we sauntered along a trail.

 

What were the leaves and rain saying?

I didn’t understand it all, too many voices

but it was happy talk and wet smiles after so long.

The Aspens fluttered their leaves

to shower the Salmon berries, red and sweet.

I picked some and must go back for more.

Free dessert or just deserts? I had to look it up.

 

Shadow winked at me, eyebrows twinkling,

brown eyes full of questions I could not answer .

Black berry vines arch over the path, fruit still green but

promise a sweet harvest and bloody scratches!

The welcome reward Ice cream buckets a-brim.

Jam boiling in a cloud of steam and sticky spoons.

 

Deeper in the woods the sounds of traffic fade away.

My ringing ears mask the noise. I wished for silence

but am denied that joy, raucous Industry the thief.

A squirrel challenges and Shadow tries to climb his tree.

She never seems to learn that some things are beyond her,

one paw dangles , mouth wide open, red tongue lolling.

The squirrel skips to another tree. Honor is saved!

 

Then the leaves spoke again. This time a breeze brings

a deluge of drops lit by a sun beam passing through.

How wonderful light is, what gifts we are given.

The damp air easy to breathe, like Champaign!

My heart is grateful and Shadow smiles with me.

 
 
David Garlick, Sidney, July, 2008