Naked Trees

I am fascinated with their shapes

Reaching out to the skies,

Trying to touch the ground,

Void of the green that covered them

Or the blooms that punctuated them

Naked

Exposed

At times covered with white snow and ice,

Some times with moss and often with dew

Resting, hibernating, and getting ready

To go farther

To extend themselves towards the clouds

Definitely towards the sun

Arching and creating cages

Visions of thin needles

Weaving into the forest

Breaking the fabric of the horizon

Piercing the sunset and the moonlight

Branches, born from the trunk of the tree

Naked

Unprotected

Seemingly lifeless

But so alive and so daring

Like swords,

Cutting through the air

Like delicate ornaments

Adorning the hills

And carrying themselves

With grace

With certainty that the green leaves will return

That the blooms will follow

And the gold, red and orange foliage

Will fall again

Before they’re naked

Again.

Alessandra Olmedo

March 21, 2011