How a Birch Wears Snow

How a Birch Wears Snow

I’m tall and slender

With white bark that

Peels.

My leaves have fallen,

Leaving me barren and

Cold.

In the winter, I am swayed

Easily by the wind and

Snow.

When the snow comes fast

And is wet and heavy, I

Bend.

Dipping my highest branches

Low to the ground, laden by

Weight.

It appears as if I’m bowing.

But I’m not. My stiff limbs

Hurt.

The snow piles up on me

Making my limbs and twigs

Fragile.

I hope I don’t succumb

To the extra wet weight and

Break.

Spring will come if I survive

The winter storms and

Cold.

I’ll make catkins to

Spread my seed, blown by the

Wind.

Just like the snow has

Covered me

Now.

I’ll cover the ground with

My precious seeds and

Grow.

New birch for new seasons

Of growth, after snow has bent

Me.

© Carol Labuzzetta, 2022.

All Rights Reserved.