Stripped bare of foilage
Stark branches sway naked
Seasons stole garments
Bright colors dully faded

Shivering in Autumn breezes
Wearing only dainty underwear
Waiting for snowfalls evening gown
To cloak bark from nature's stare

Curled toes tucked deep in cold hard earth
Fingers outstretched toward sky
Limbs too weak for ascending
Dried blobs of sap tears cried

My trunk hollowed out inside
Empty soul a hopeless pit
Green replaced by yellows and browns
Decayed leaves shedding bit by bit

Stress puts tension on boughs
Wood weakened under weight
Growing old as time increases rings
Til this dying tree completely breaks

I miss licking strawberry-flavored suckers on the school bus
Gossiping who John kissed and wishing it was us
Passing notes in class-we didn't give a ****
The location of Africa or Amsterdam
The only sponge worried about was SpongeBOB
Wasn't our responsibility to clean, cook, or get a job
"Stinky **** Head" was the most insulting name
Mario unanimously was the best video game
As kids we frolicked fast, funloving, and free
Uncaring if our homemade tire swings were rickety
Doodling margins of each battered schoolbook
A time where if caught in a fight you got let off the hook
Being happy for no reason is what i miss about childhood the most
Awakening to my favorite breakfast made by Dad-french toast
I would jump out of bed looking forward to school
Bringing lunch packed in a brown paper bag was cool
Now I hate opening my tired eyes
This planet transformed into one I despise
Once upon a time I felt whole and strong though so small
Today I'm much bigger but feel nothing at all

Sanctuary found
Support and recognition
Second family

Working hard is what we do
Each day this place we show up to
Selling pie and pastries too
Wiping tables when we're through
That's just life for me and you