Writing inspired by the following SWC prompt:

The Sounds Between the Trees

Shh. Listen to the forest. What can you hear?

between the trees

by Milena Kozlowska

quietly, we emerge
drawn up from beneath the earth
pushing through dirt,
nudging aside leaves,
burrowing into roots and trees
swelling, stretching,
frothing, fruiting,
billowing, blooming,
unfolding caps,
unfurling veils,
gathering in crowds,
glowing, gleaming, in moonlight
rising in rings,
circling in secret council meetings,
searching for homes
where we hide in plain sight
watching, whispering, waiting
songful sentinels
come find us,
if you can.
we are here,
in the space between life and death,
where it smells like rain and rot,
where the air is moist and misty,
where longing leaks into your bones
and awe blooms beneath your skin
where foreboding flourishes,
and unease unfurls
come listen,
we are here.