Woodpecker

 
Light green upon dark green,
Delicate patterns wrought
Flecked brown bark patterned like cloth
The forest embraces, inviting,
Tall, towering oaks look down at me, comforting –
A Stranger… lost in his thoughts.
 
Knock. Knock. Knock…
Wood-pecker!
I stop and listen, expectant…
The forest teases, silent,
Tall towering oaks look down at me, wondering –
A Wayfarer…looking for a novelty?  
 
A burst of colour high above,
I spin, ears chasing flapping wings,
A flash of orange in a green trove
The forest whispers, hushed
Tall towering oaks look down at me,  brooding –
A Treasure-seeker…looking for a jewel? 
 
Knock! His tell-tale song. 
Ears pricked, neck craned,
I search the green heights
The forest waits, tense,
Tall towering oaks look down at me, threatening –
A Hunter…looking for his prey?
 
In the corner of my eye, a flash of rust,
There! Perched on a gnarled chestnut.
Flame of orange crest, dark-green feathers
I stand, a statue,  admiring, 
The forest watches, understanding,
Tall towering oaks look down at me, smiling –
Just a Seeker…looking for beauty.