BARE

 

Bare

The deciduous trees are bare,

stripped down to their underwear.

Skeletons they now wear

seen under the moonlight's glare.

Yesterday the trees did wear

a covering of leaves shared.

Last night a heavy frost, like white hair,

settled on those leaves unaware.

Today these golden leaves float down midair;

steadily they gather on the grass there.

Whereas yesterday they floated solitaire,

one by one their cycle of life declared.

To watch these leaves trickle down in the open air

its peaceful, while inside sitting in an easy chair.

Soon, though, work awaits there

as gardeners are not spared.

A leaf rake and a set of elbows prepare

to distribute those leaves scattered in a pile there.

Leaves for composting as gardeners show they care

for the environment by recycling leaves snared.

Each year gardener's find there's more leaves to ensnare

as each year the trees produce more leaves to share.

Each year raking is an annual affair.

Each year gardener's find there's more wear and tear.

For elbows kink, I declare,

you huff and puff hot air,

your nose drips off and on in the fresh air,

and there's more raking tomorrow – so beware.

All winter long these leafless tree skeletons bare

will stare through the window wearing their underwear

while the gardener enjoys warm gingerbread baked with pears

in front of the fireplace toasting their tootsies bare.

* * * * *

It's said if the trees are especially heavy-laden with leaves

then the winter will be exceptionally cold – like below-zero degrees.

It's said if oak trees are heavy with acorns

then the coming winter will be colder than norm.

This is one of God's ways He provides for His creatures.

These creatures that scamper all year with tails of fur

collecting nuts to hide for the coming winter.

These creatures which wisely prepare all summer.

Take time to watch the squirrels today

for God's creatures teach us each day

to save or prepare for the future.

Saving pays dividends, for sure.

Go to the ant, you sluggard;

consider its ways and be wise!

It has no commander, no overseer or ruler,

yet it stores its provisions in summer

and gathers its food at harvest.

Proverbs 6:6-8

The borrower is servant to the lender.

Proverbs 22:7

Life Is a Garden Party

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