Cedar Falling

In the night I awaken

to the sound

of south-east winds

caressing the trees and branches

as the first fall storm

announces it’s arrival.

 

As early morning light

exposes the world

to the blessing of sight

I notice it’s raining

not water

but cedar fronds

red, dried, and falling

gently covering everything

whispering the consequence

of a long dry summer.

 

Soon the rain will come

and the forest will drink

it’s long awaited fill

as salmon celebrate their destiny

swimming up swollen creeks

to mate, birth, and die

then joining the cedar fronds

collecting along the shoreline.         Oct. 4, 2014