Saturday, December 7, 2013

Mulberry Ghosts

Photo by Andi Brunson-Williams
Whose woods these are I think I know,
he lives just south a mile or so;
he’ll not be aware we’re stopping here,
to see these spooky ghosts appear.

Perhaps they saw us passing by,
and could not resist a glaring eye;
with somewhat a suspicious stare,
are we of inimical business there?

This stately stand of mulberry trees,
spent many years in making leaves;
and bearing tasty fruits for feasts,
by hungry furred and feathered beasts.

The resident of this riparian lot,
once sat concealed among the copse;
observing well all those who passed,
finally taking one nice buck at last.

These trees have watched geese V’s above,
and provided perch for loving doves;
in summer offering welcome shade,
to songbirds, mice and grateful quail.

Towards end of life, large limbs do yield,
to thankful sawyer with sharpened steel;
reducing some of mulberry grove
to desired lengths for home wood stove.

Do the spirits of these arborous brutes,
now inquire of guests now walking through;
and taunt with their auspicious stare,
these humans now trespassing there?

These simple woods are dark and deep,
they give us pause before we sleep;
with wonderful treasures they bestow,

we thank them through our shadows now.
by Ken Brunson with apologies to Robert Frost