Bare
The deciduous trees are bare,
striped down to their underwear.
Skeletons they now wear
seen under the moonlight's glare.
Two days ago the trees did wear
a covering of leaves shared.
Then during the night a heavy frost, like white hair,
settled on those autumn leaves unaware.
Yesterday these golden leaves floated down midair;
steadily they gathered on the grass there.
Whereas two days ago 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 relocate those leaves scattered in a pile there.
Leaves for composting as gardeners show they care
for the environment by recycling leaves snared.
Come autumn gardeners find there's more leaves to ensnare
as annually these trees produce more leaves to share.
Each year raking is an autumnal affair.
Year after year gardeners learn there's more wear and tear.
For elbows kink, I declare,
I huff and puff hot air,
My 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 showcasing 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 season with tails of fur
collecting nuts to bury 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
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