Quiet Night

[rejectomorph]

A palpable silence has fallen over the forest tonight. No night birds have called, the chorus of frogs has been hushed, no breeze has stroked sighs and whispers from the pines. Even the amorous raccoons have vanished, and the dogs have not barked. The roads have lain dark and empty under the stars, undisturbed by so much as a falling pine cone.

The town, sunk in sleep and unearthly stillness, seems to hold its breath. In all the tree-shadowed miles, only my footsteps hint of life. I walk softly.