Forests In Asturias Poem by Robert Melliard

They're tended by locals who know their stuff
and only saw up fallen trees or branches
and don't overhunt the boar or deer.

Some forests have bears, uncommon in Europe,
but they're small and shy and hardly dangerous;
knowledge of their presence, even so,
adds excitement to a hike.

In autumn reddish carpets coat the tracks
and leaves crunch gently underfoot.
Mushrooms are everywhere, and those who know them
spend hours treasure-hunting.

In spring green shoots burst out of twigs
and birds sing louder, or seem to at least.
Wolves are around, and in winter they come out
to harass flocks near fearful villages.

At some point politicians realised
that trees and wildlife are important,
bringing tourists without tattoos.

The best thing we can do, however,
is leave all forests well alone...