REDAVONS

A Carpet of Acorns  by Ranger CR

Demus sat  so still, save nose as twitched and ears that trembled to the air
Atop the log that served his berth  that safe   secure and silent lair
But Winter’s hand had touched his bones with Summers green now gone
And Autumn’s fleshy fruit forgot with cold and hunger soon to come.

Yet Demus knew  a living thing  in Nature’s bounty must confide
And trust a need secure is met by what she may provide
So there  beyond his tethered stance a fecund feast appeared
An acorn carpet laid out plain with leaf and frond now cleared

That Oaken fruit brought safe within the depths of Demus lair
Would keep him warm in frozen times , weak Sun and meagre fare.
But Nature’s contract firm dictates that all must play their hand
And all that bounty, careless cast  lies clear in open land

By day as Stoat and Weasel hunt and Hawks hang in the air
Demus dances desperately, determined, drawn to dare
By night, as Fox and Badger roam and Owls hear every breath
He takes his time for scent and sound will lead him to his death

And so it is with all that lives    a balance duly kept
By Nature’s hand  considered fair  and each must pay a debt
Save Man in arrogance conceived , duty  failed and spurned
But Nature   patient, plots her path  the lesson will be learned