barren

I am convinced that we can learn from nature which we constantly overlook this time of year as we stay inside as much as we can to shield ourselves from the chill. A theme that developed in my mind last fall finally emerged...


Less than two weeks my friends, less than two weeks. I am not sure what to do with myself.



Well, here goes:



the trees catch flame
as soon as the heat fades.
they burn bright, consumed
until they go out in a blaze of glory.
only to be left bare,
left naked in the cold
to remind us of their gaunt limbs
that are covered year-round.
forgotten beneath their lush, verdant beauty
exposed without a place to hide
yet all the more beautiful--
strong, in their weakest season
to endure the harshest conditions.
with hope, with hope--
after the white desert melts away,
after the treacherous winter,
must come spring.

winter takes its toll
many wither and fade
the pangs of cold overpower
desolate; life is distant

rooted in memory

bereft of breath

yet life thrives in the deathly quiet

forced to vacate the safety of the umbrage



the last leaves hold fast

they cling to the limbs

as a young child to a mother

yet they are released into the wind

not as tears, but to remind us all

to shed our cover, our shame