in winter down deep in the pacific

the trees branch around in the cold and the shadows

growing thick coats of red bark to keep their sap warm

then spring comes with a march of color

pink, mimosa and purple jacaranda

then summer arrives, the sun burns fierce

then gum blossoms come out late when days are longest

and cicada’s wake in the morning heat

then the bark

crack peel and wait

to float down like snowflakes

then land like soft tons on the grass below

then leaving the tree clean and clear and white…

Alleluia !

then Christmas comes.