knotted roots scatter violently from the stump of winter's barren tree
permeating frost grips each wilting branch, a blanket of sickness
only the crows that bore the blackest of feathers visit and admire it
for they commend the tree as it evades death's charcoal robes
they themselves have been plagued with the terminal numbing
and are perplexed by the grit of their natural friend
their companion is dying, from the inside out, as veins begin to clot
yet, within months, the tree will support families of robins and finches
dawning a thick coat of delicious apples and stunning leaves
as caterpillars create plated cocoons along sturdy bark
blossoming into brilliant, alluring butterflies before the crows' sable eyes
and now the crows feathers will dampen from pearl tears amidst the beautiful scene of transformation
as they question why spring's vitality exists for their friend
while they only feel winter's cold