The forest, still, afar(2026)
Winter Trees
Bare trees
endure the winter.
A wind
arrives out of nowhere,
moving
between the branches.
Trees
planted by people,
set apart
at even distances.
With time
they begin to lean.
Trees are meant
to grow straight
through the roots
entangling.
The winter air
hangs shaded brown with dust.
For a moment
blue stretches far,
mixed with green
from distant hills,
before clouds
cover it again.
Snow falls
heavy with water,
for three days.
Branches bend,
overloaded,
their dark limbs
contrast with the white drifts.
The winter trees,
standing still
for a long time,
their trunks
etched against the grey air.