In winter, trees undress slowly, discretely

Allowing their leaves, to subtly reveal new colour

Growing darker, shrivelling, shrinking

 

Until, when they can hold on no longer

They fall, carving a slow path through the air

Drifting, making patterns. Which joining,

become one design of early winter shades

Settling on the earth, a natural carpet

 

Branches are left stark, bare

A skeletal outline. Reaching up,

to grasp the sun by day; the moon by night

Drawing down magic, growing

 

Winter gives us trees of differing shapes

Some stand alone, others mark out a route

For travellers who walk the footpaths

 

Now lacking softening leaves

Bark and twigs, show matt, deeply textured

As the tree continues to give shelter,

from within