When I was finishing up my firewood chores this evening, my brother, looking out at the ring of trees just beyond the village, whispered "doesn't it feel like the forest is listening for something?" I made no comment but felt he was right. It is a rare thing when my brother shows such insight, as he is not normally so aware of his surroundings, so when he does, I pay attention. He's right. It is as if the forest knows something is about to happen and it is preparing for it.

The forest has a pulse. I've noticed it many times before. Lately, however, it seems to have stilled as if it were waiting for something. It feels like the trees are listening to the wind, and the wind is whispering. I'm not sure if it is something good or bad. The animals, too, seem to walk quieter than normal and are more cautious and timid.

I observed a deer cuddled up under a bush, barely visible beneath the dense foliage. I stopped to admire her winter coat when all of a sudden she leaped into the air and darted away. I heard no sound nor felt anything but the wind.

This is not normal behavior for so deep in the forest where only I travel, and animals typically show no fear. I don't know what the forest is waiting for, but I do know that when it comes it will be significant, and I hope that I am there to witness it.