(The first of six dribbles written for the LJ Community Spooky Arda's "Six Days of Spooky" Challenge.) 

OLD MAN WILLOW

Heavy, heavy, the air in its stillness oppressive and dreary;
Pippin’s mind is sluggish, he cannot think for weariness.
He hears an insistent whisper-- or does he?
The heat burdens him, stealing his breath;
to stop, to rest, to sleep
here in the enticing shade
against the old willow,
leaning into sleep
into dreams…
Snick.