be the tree in a perpetual
flash of all seasons
condensed into a rhythmic month
she blossoms into shy fertility
shaking the last remnants of bitterness
from outstretched branches
and delicate buds
Then the wind of
deadening winter returns
stripping tender bark,
she bleeds
multi-colored leaves
cracked and shattered
among frozen blades
leaving
bone and spine and
exposed root.
