Barren Limbs

The stately ash by the fence that provided welcome summer shade, Has exchanged its sheltering leaves of opulent jade, To don an elegant golden robe for a few short-lived days. Its brilliance is enhanced by the sun's mellow autumn rays. October winds took their toll exposing bole and limbs so stark, Revealing uplifted arms as if in supplication from its wrinkled bark. Where once upon my emerald lawn, frisky squirrels skittered, Now, with a golden carpet, my sloping lawn is littered. A wizened "hooty owl" has claimed the treetop as its aerie, Silhouetted against a harvest moon, creating a scene so eerie. Mellow moonbeams caress the tree forming a delicate shadow, That creeps across the lawn as the moon flaunts its nocturnal show! A family of robins that nested in the tree providing me with delight, Have long since departed on their annual southerly flight. Sturdy limbs where chattering finches put on a grand show, Will soon be adorned with glistening garlands of snow. Tho' each autumn the foliage from the ash will disappear, And its outstretched limbs now present a picture so austere, I'm confident that the ever-caring Creator this coming spring, Will again adorn my tree in green for another season's fling! Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired (© All Rights Reserved)