The leaves are forgotten
No echoes of green

The leaves are forgotten
None to be seen

Outlined black skeletons against the snow
The branches crooked and gnarled with age

The snow blows …..Lightly
Yet they never bend

The snow blows …..Furiously
Yet now they bend

Their strength against the winter
Earned a long time ago

They stand so proudly
Knowing they will survive

As nature well knows
As nature well planned