A Year in the Life of a Tree (Haibun)

Bare branches with outstretched limbs reach for the sun as it peeks from behind the clouds, looking for warmth as the wind strips the last leaves she shivers in her nakedness. A patchwork quilt of crimson and orange scattered below

autumn leaves surround,
as a gentle breeze whispers
goodbye to summer.

The spider forms its web on empty arms, spinning a lace-like shawl over the bent, hunched boughs. Colliding clouds bring rain,

small crystalline tears
droplets clinging to the web,
prism of colours.

Cold, silent snow falls down as branches droop, heavy with the weight. The birds have gone now. Standing alone against a blackened winter sky,snow sliding slowly from bough to bough she stands, a forlorn figure

gently tumbling down
silvery droplets trickle
from the weeping tree.

Winter lingers long as snow falls continue
the tree, like a lovely bride awaits her groom, clinging icicles form a frozen crown.

heavy snow falling
dressing the naked tree in
a glittering gown.

The sun's caressing rays slowly melt the snow and, as tiny buds appear outstretched arms embrace them, as a mother would her child

spring is in the air
buds are sprouting everywhere
growing day by day.

Alas, this perfect vision will soon be gone. As warm wind blows, unable to stay, tiny petals rain down on the grass beneath, weaving a soft carpet of dusky pink.

cherry blossom tree
oh, so delicate and rare
petals like paper.

Now a canopy of copper leaves where the blossom used to be. Birds return to nest high upon the tree. Sweet songs sung in the early morning light. Soaring wings point towards the sky.

Building a nest there
preparation has begun
singing as they work.

Ever changing leaves turn the colour of the sun. Hungry chicks cry from the nest, wings flapping. Soon they will fly. Today the first leaf fell...floating silently to the ground

Bright warm sunshine
only to open the door
to autumn's red leaves.

@Hellon 26th September 2006