In the glow of the streetlight
They look like soldiers
Standing there
All in a row
Each bush, ebony, against the white snow
Like sentinels
Ever watchful of the shadows
Alert
Only their very tips move in the wind
As they stand guard
Their appearance conjures a sinister feeling
What danger requires such vigilance?
Nothing stirs in the murky darkness
Only snowflakes falling
Only the tumble of a forgotten leaf
All looks still
Silent
But they stand ever ready...watching
Like soldiers
Even listening...
For the slightest snap of a twig.