Photograph courtesty of Alan L. Winters
(used with permission)

SINGING BIRDS

A young child runs into the deep forest
looking for that perfect tree
to build a tree house –
or perhaps a Tarzan wannabe

Birds up high sing away;
shadows and light, all greens
follow the game path;
quiet rustle of twigs against the jeans

Alone in the forest,
but not lacking company;
Rabbits, squirrels, and deer
hiding - but watching thee

Heart full of joy,
feeling at last free;
alone in the forest
searching for the perfect tree

Feeling much like Danny B,
or maybe like Davy C,
Stanky, or Livingston
looking for the perfect tree

It doesn't matter
if it's not found.
There is always tomorrow
for searching new ground

Time to return;
it's getting dark.
Mom calling my name
echoes thru the trees and off the bark

Exiting the forest
to a shaded lawn –
birds singing goodbye
to a day that's gone

Thus was my childhood,
easy days and long;
Birds singing goodbye
to a way of life that's gone

©Copyright May 14, 2007 by Fred Alvis

Awarded: May 16, 2007