Winter nights when trees are bare

Silence rules dark nighttime air

Bundled up against the cold

Night hikes in dark woods are bold

Must walk slow to avoid trips

Walk with poles and tight hand grips

Bugs are hiding underground

No background or buzzing sound

Distant sounds from far away

Sounds not heard in light of day

River sounds, a tug boat horn

Distant train toots, danger warn

Hear cat calling for a mate

Hoping for a late night date

Hound dog bays from distant home

Leaves rustle from nighttime roam

Startle deer, herd bolts away

Sit down near a small spillway

Watch dark water churn and flow

Crescent moon above me glows

See dark shadow of an owl

Gliding though bare trees on prowl

Looking for a mouse or vole

Dives and lands on nearby knoll

Nighttime chill seeps through my clothes

Time to bring hike to a close

As I walk I hum a song

In the distance church bells bong

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