Sleep Beneath the Stars

Silhouetted black against the distant hill’s edge

They stand motionless in this quiet green place

Late summer faint all about them

Two herons fly effortlessly homeward

Cows and calves make ready to sleep beneath the stars

Dreaming until all comes true

Summer darkness and dancing zephyrs

Carp and silver pike lie still as stone

Safe beneath the darkened lake

Vixen fox and solitary owl

Serene guardians of the woodland night

Ever vigilant

Dingle dangle rabbit dingle dangle mouse

A dawning run and homeward flight

Before web dew sparkle hedgerows

Await the sun