Leaves

The tree stands solitary
Undisturbed by the violent wind
Buds emerge at long last
The eternal winter has ceased

The tree stands solitary
Young leaves blow in a summer breeze
The sun breathes life and warms the earth
The youth of summer is at hand

The tree stands solitary
Leaves change colors with age
The wind blows until all have touched earth
Dead leaves stain the ground in fall

The tree stands solitary
Naked as the snow violently falls
Burying the dead leaves underneath
So is life

The tree stands solitary