Trees stand nearly bare
Arms aloft in anguish
Or perhaps rejoicing
Finally unburdened
Leaves caught in a crosswind
Scattered down the avenue
The sun is low and white
Shadows stretch
And wander...

So begins a hibernation
To refill and replenish
Answer the changing seasons
Provoked by incessant light
They will bloom again 
With intricacies and treasures
Broken branches
Birds to shelter
Seeds to scatter...

Responding to the atmosphere
Eccentric in their own ways
Wild formations
To be quilted again in leaves 
And then stripped for all to see
I push my fingertips to the trunk
Appreciate the bark
I recognise that urge
To surrender...