The Whipporwill

Somewhere deep in the forest there is a tree with a hollow. There is a rustling inside, and the whipporwill flies out. Soon he returns with dry grass in his beak. He must hurry and rebuild his nest, the days are growing shorter. At last it is finished and just in time as the first frost falls. All in the forest is covered with the new frost and glistens in the sun. A cold wind blows but the whipporwill doesn't know because he has begun his winter's sleep. His heartbeat and his breathing has slowed until its barely perceptable. The frost melts and the sun shines warm, a gentle breeze blows but he doesn't know, he sleeps on. The days get shorter and the nights get colder. But he sleeps and knows not of the weather. The wind blows harsh and cold and makes a sound as it blows past the hole in the tree. He doesn't feel the cold wind, he has burrowed deep into his nest of dried grass and twigs. This year the snow falls and the forest is white, and the wind blows cold. The whipporwill sleeps on! The sun comes out and melts the snow, but its not time yet, and he sleeps on. The weather turns cold again, and the rain blows about. At night when its colder the rain freezes and covers the limbs and sparkles on the forest floor in the darkness. With dawn the day is overcast and the sun is hidden. The ice is like diamonds tossed on the ground. The whipporwill sleeps on. He doesn't see the cold harsh beauty that surrounds his tree. He doesn't see a deer below, walking there, searching for food. He doesn't see a bushy squirel digging for acorns. The nights start to get shorter, and the sun shines warmer. Soon his internal clock will awaken him. The days get longer, and warm. The trees start to sprout new leaves, spring is near! Then it happens! The nights are warm now! He awakens and comes from his nest to look out upon the warm moonlit night. He makes his first sound of spring as he calls out into the night. Somewhere in the forest, another one answers. He flies from his tree. Spring is here! He is happy and he lets all the creatures of the night hear his beautiful call. Soon the night is filled with the sound of the whipporwills as they awaken to a forest reborn!

neon_sapphire