Beneath the Snow

I saw a twig from beneath the snow Yet, nothing from this image proved That life survived or life let go The will or jewel or soul less moved To be described or cherished, no? What bright sunlight once regaled The splendor of its name to know Or girth of shade less height narrated By friend or foe. Beneath its benevolence survived The warring tide of greed and pride In selfish arrogance revived The fate of many to provide. Long ago, days less renowned Witnessed steadily nature’s tide When forests grew tall and sound On healthy unpolluted ground. Those days were numbered by God alone Who created everything known That one day this tree would die In corruption lie. No longer proud beneath the snow Only memories would we know To place in mind that like our kind We share this fate to find.