The Forest Dance Poem by Holmes Jim

A gathering is forming deep in the woods,
Up past the bluff where the sycamore stood,
Critters have travelled from miles away,
To join in activities of a fine festive day,

They gather under the grand old oak,
Locals chattering with neighbouring folks,
Possum wakes from a mid-day snooze,
Listens to gossip and village news,

Apparently, beaver is a proud new father,
Three cubby boys and a bright-eyed daughter,
Gopher and rabbit stand cheek to cheek,
Out in the open since fox is asleep,

The reigning owl sits high in her perch,
Surveying her kingdom from her majestic birch,
Clearing her throat she begins her address,
Welcoming townsfolk and their honoured quests,

Salutations are given and curtsies bestowed,
Excitement is growing for the upcoming show,
As a warm reckless wind pulls at the trees,
Careless plucking the colourful leaves,

Harassing branches until the canopy thins,
Scattered upon a promiscuous wind,
Twirling on currents till they gently touch down,
Adding colour to the psychedelic ground,

A crimson carpet now decorates this space,
Cloaking the floor of this festive place,
A cheerful melody floats on the lake,
Carried across the resonant wake,

Bantering in treetops draws to a close,
As musical rhythms methodically flow,
Tones set adrift on the soft gentle breeze,
Ascending up through broad swaying trees,

Curious spectators settle in and prepare,
As scampering squirrels divide up in pairs,
Evenly matched they take up their stance,
And begin their glide in a high-wire dance,

Arm in arm they fly through the air,
Dancing on limbs with embellishing flare,
Completely enthralled in their magical waltz,
Swept along by the quick temporal pulse,

Spinning each other as they twirl toe to toe,
Totally captivating the audience below,
Glance to the trees as you wander alone,
Deep in the woods and far from home,

Listen for music as you venture about,
Strolling along on your chosen route,
Perk up your ears and focus your sight,
You maybe treated to this acrobatic delight.