The tree appears dark and looming.
It could use some proper grooming.
I want to take a walk between its legs,
growing tall from the ground like giant pegs.
By its rules, we must strictly abide.
Imagine the secrets it must hide.
Come walk with me in its dark shade.
Through the fallen leaves we will wade.
A canopy of leaves above our heads
As we fall asleep in our leafy beds.
Let’s travel through the forest so green.
A creature-filled oasis but don’t scream.
The roots tangle around our feet.
Walking becomes a scary feat.
Neon leaves hit our faces.
A hit every few paces.
I’m sinking deep into the forest floor.
Quicksand my enemy forevermore.
Take me to the bright light that shimmers
in the far reaches of the forest.
I lay my head on a thick bed of grass.
A blanket of flowers for my cover.
Sleeps takes me away from here
to a place where there’s no fear.
I fly above the branches
and gaze at my sleeping form.
Contentment relaxes my face.
My eyelids flicker in my dream.
Too soon it will be night,
bringing the dark and cold.
I must return tomorrow
to see how my dream unfolds.
How did I come to be here?
Cold wrapped around me in fear.
No matter how far I walk.
I could hear them move and talk.
Muttering curses on me.
But faces I cannot see.
They surround me on each side.
There’s nowhere for me to hide.
I must get out of here soon.
Before the next full moon.
THE DEAD GAME
digitalfrontiers
Forest so lush green.
A sight to be seen.
Colors to brighten life
without a bit of strife.
This is the place for me,
where I can be free.
Pink and yellow flowers fill the day.
Nowhere prettier I want to stay.
Alison Scarpulla
Alone with my thoughts.
Lost in my dreams.
Darkness in my soul.
A deserted forest.
Empty of people.
Devoid of sound.
No movement.
No sunlight.
Only endless trees.
My thoughts ring
Loud and clear
In this empty void.
SLEEP FOR THE WEARY
The sun peeks through
a canopy of trees.
A blanket of color
protects me with leaves.
I’m sheltered with
soft petals of pink.
Like velvet sheets
splattered with ink.
A bed in the petals
offers rest for the weary.
I give a sigh of contentment
as my eyes grow teary.
A path through the forest,
covered with fallen trees and tangled shrubbery.
Bushes shake.
Animals scurry into hiding.
Leaves fall.
Birds flee.
I must find my way home.
Darkness envelopes the path.
I can’t move.
Vines twirl around my feet.
I’m trapped.
The forest has taken me.
The green hides inside
With unspoken pride.
It comes at night,
Growing in might.
A fine mist falls first
As trees drink from thirst.
They swallow the green whole
By forming a deep hole.
As the fairies alight on leaves,
I need out of here, pretty please.
Sherbrooke Forest | By Penny Whetton
THE FALLEN
Tree branches bend,
scarred by age.
Beaten by the storm,
many hit the ground
amid piles of leaves.
Without a proper burial,
no one mourns their loss.
The fallen won’t be forgotten
as replacements take root
in the shade of the tall trees.
Sunshine filters through the forest,
lighting the way for the future.
