Life to Death and Back

Haibun In the forest dark and deep, naked trees stripped by winters icy grip. Bony fingers point skyward toward their tormentor. Branches creak like old arthritic joints with every breath of breeze. Life blood is stored snugly in their snow- covered feet waiting for the first ray of sunshine of the new season to melt the white blanket. brown trees waken, sweet sap flows through the hollow trunk brings life to the buds As days grow longer, buds open themselves to life giving sun. Slowly, the old joints begin to loosen as the branches turn green with life. Green sprouts grow to maturity and the tree is clothed. The cycle is begun again. Life to death and back to life.