Deciduous Strand: Autumn's Toll

Woody corpse; denuded stand emanating a paler hue Barren limbs no burgeoning life doth construe Stale, musty scent from it's damp twigs doth issue  Winds whisk through sterile branches sighing a doleful mew No sheltered perch doth it's pared canopy imbue No decorative shroud to satiate the gawker's view A vapid garland with no fruitful fronds to strew Stilled life whose rings are scrolled with each succeeding, autumn's due  Yet deep within it's fibers resinous juices stew Spurting forth sticky wads of balsamic glue Trite lacquer it's brigand hull to seal and preening pests to rue Hearty saps from tapped bough do still spew  Sweet, syrupy concoction; sugary fondue