When dusk fell
The animals fell silent.
The trees began to stir
Whispering among themselves
"It's coming!" they seemed to say

The squirrels scurry to gather the nuts,
the deer eat the last of the grass,
the birds fly south calling their good-byes,
And the bears find a place to sleep

The trees whispered again,
"Lose your leaves! Lose them! Quick!
It's coming! It's coming!"

Seeds were hid under the cold packed dirt,
Bears filled themselves,
Nuts filled squirrel holes,
And the anticipation began.

The trees gave their final warning
"It's coming soon! Prepare yourselves!
Hurry! It's here!"

Then the sharp wind blew,
the temperature dropped,
the whistle of winter sounded,

And the trees fell silent