PRIVATE SHOW

As dawn breaks the world is still,
no breeze disturbing woods or rill,
while I sit on this hill thinking,
motionless also, nearly unblinking,
of peace and quiet I've my fill.

Many leaves have fallen down.
Their vivid shards adorn the ground
on this frosty autumn morn
when all the hay fields now are shorn.
A few squirrels start to leap around.

Now morning orb clears distant trees
and highest leaves start to unfreeze.
They're silver now instead of white.
A soaring hawk comes into sight
coasting on a thermal breeze.

This past spring a bud up high
opened itself to clear warm sky,
finally unfurled its face
on a maple tree in this lone place
awaiting summer to come by.

Through out the springtime it grew stronger.
As nearby twigs got a bit longer
preparing for the summer days
filled with sun,storms, wind and haze
as its brethren became bigger

Then summer came and wore it out
along with neighbors all about
until its green began to tire
leaving behind colors like fire
for me to see on this short scout

I guess it had awaited me
there in top of its great tree
to oversee its final fall
while listening to a far crow's call
at last it separated, free

Slowly began its last descent
through air filled with autumn's scent
bouncing off boughs as it passed by
with tics and clicks brittle and dry
like stumbling oldster frail and bent

Until at last with gentle rustle
it came to rest after its bustle
just beyond my outstretched boot
as an owl gave its last morning hoot
and close by turkeys began to tussle

All on a stage seen just by me
(was it prepared for me to see?)
I guess that it's no wonder why
I like to spend my free time nigh
these woods where I so love to be