Fallen

The trail,
tanned by recent rains,
is interrupted

in-ter-mit-tent-ly
by toppled trees,
now lying still,
quiet,
as does he.

Though, perhaps,
he and the trees

cracked,

cried,

groaned
when they fell,
finally giving in

to strong blowing winds,
or suddenly struck

by lightning,
either way

ending 

a long life,

or a long-enough life,

in these wild woods.

The same woods
where the freshly formed stream

sings,
affirming,
comforting,
as a loving lullaby.