There’s a barred owl down in the hollow
Who – hoo –hoohoo-- hoo – hoo – hoohoo!
Somewhere down there in that darkness
He’s hunting quietly for his food
And though it’s dark and we can’t see him.
I know he is watching me and you
Night-watchman of the dappled forest
Who – hoo –hoohoo-- hoo – hoo – hoohoo!
Down there perched high near the cut-off
While a deer is passing through
The barred owl watches very quietly
To see what the passing deer will do
Perhaps some smaller, hidden critter
Startled by the deer will move
The barred owl calls out in the shadows
Who – hoo –hoohoo-- hoo – hoo – hoohoo!
Here in this pre-dawn, fading darkness
The trees begin to slightly move
They whisper to the fading stars
As a breeze is passing through
Then I hear a sudden motion
He leaves but never comes in view
Flying, bidding me fare thee well
Who – hoo –hoohoo-- hoo – hoo – hoohoo!
© James L Frady January 28, 2023
