Like a Winter Tree

He is a winter tree, standing on top of a hill… bare naked
His long, dark branches overlook the ocean’s waves, crashing against rocks
His trunk is like a tower, erecting from the center of an old city
Alone… he stands tall

He holds secrets carved in him for decades
The wind grabs hold of him, choking his breath of life
In the midst of a storm, he sways left and right
Yet he is not moved

I’d like to be him, even during winter
With the heavy snow cascading off his branches
I’d like to be him, waking to the morning of a new day
With the sun’s rays beating on his bark

I’d like to be him when the sweat of a long day
Thirsts his wood and he screams for rain
I’d like to be him as the bright moon rises over him
Overshadowing his aged body

Day after day, year after year… He remains standing
During all the seasons of his life, he grows strong and proud
And here I sit… wishing I were that tree, standing on top of that hill
... Bare naked


Copyright © 2002 by Ellie Kings