bony branches reach,
fingers point to wisps
bottomless sky trembles,
finches tread the clouds;
a question.
chilly breath rattles,
nature's coo darkens
waves of grey grow infinite,
deep grumbles follow;
an answer.
deciduous skeletons sway
dry leaves cackle
winds hum indifferently,
sinister growls emanate;
a warning.
bitter air swirls,
dark hatred billows,
rolling mistrust encroaches,
blanketing the stillness;
a threat.
viscous jaws snap,
energy laps at dry bark,
brief clarity,
deadly faze;
a strike.
woods slits into flame,
smoke oozes from its shelter
fire coughs sparks west,
destruction on its way
a battle.
droplets of forgiveness,
ashes sizzle into ink
soot dissolves away
war's footprint revealed;
a recession.
a gentle nod to 7/4/17
the damage renewed beneath unearthed soil.