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