What the Woods Whisper

I can see you, bashful child,
Hiding in my bones.
I can feel your sneakered feet
Slip on stepping stones.

Now you pause for polliwogs,
Now you cross the creek,
A burdock tangled in your hair,
My breath against your cheek.

Why do you play here all alone,
Among the curling ferns?
I watch you through the canopy
With an eye that burns.

Crows, cicadas, rustling leaves,
Make a raucous hush.
You startle as a garter snake
Disturbs the underbrush.

Far from home and schoolyard
And their confused alarms
You seek the shady solace
Of my long arms.