Attack At Campsite 31
by Dave Flitcroft

Leaves smell smoky and warm, freshly fallen,
and a squirrel scolds high in the trees; warning of danger.
The sign reads:

RECENT BEAR ACTIVITY IN THIS AREA
INCREASED CHANCE OF BEAR CONTACT

A slight rustle in the tree tops seventy feet above.
a patter-like rain fall
then the deluge!

Leaves by the thousands, sky filled yellow and brown, shirling, spinning, stop
in mid air then sliding down, leaves all around, signing in a kaleidoscope,
drumming on my arms.

Then it stopped. Squirrel returned to it's scolding and another avalanche
heavier than the first.

Headlines read:

HIKER CAUGHT IN LEAF ATTACK
SURVIVES WITH ONLY SLIGHT INJURY!