The Silver Birch

The white leather creaks As damp pith breathes Thin and strong Against a solemn sky. As branches again take Punishment from northern winds The trunk stands firm Steeling itself for the assault ahead. Straight despite the brutish Harsh and relentless gusts The leather flakes and peels Like a snake shedding skin. Ready for the new birth Another year is coming A cycle of the earth and sun, Rain, wind, snow, all will befall it. Evermore the silver birch A symbol of strength through adversity Stands tall with smoke like branches Ready to add another ring to its life.