birds not singing, not flying

rabbits hiding, scampering to shelter

clouds low, hovering not threatening

even flowers hiding, except for a few

all is silent, though beautiful

air humid as if wanting to rain

winds confused, blowing south

while clouds move north

Even gravel shares the quiet

no crunch or scrape when trod

a break in the clouds

producing some sun, but silent still

we are not alone

a wise old buck,

sheltering from possible storm

and sweltering heat

takes command of the trail

silently asking us to

“go around”

as he lies in the shade