You are a friend of mine
Naked and bare you stand
Facing Winter with courage
Shedding your coat as the final leaf plunges to the ground
Once nature’s high lord, now exposed

Winter of sorrow
Winter of grey
Winter of rest

No friends
No love to protect you from the loneliness of the snow and darkness

The tree lies alone
Birth; growth; death

Dormant
Without movement
Without experience

Until spring brings new life
Once again, I will lie beneath you
A cool breeze, the warmth of literary prophets of the past and smile
A single leaf will fall on my shoulder like a warm hug