Beauty from Within

I've grown seasoned

to the fact that

lumber replaces my

spinal column, splinters

lodge within fingernails

and other places not worth

mentioning.

I am surly a tree –

only true conversations

can be had within our circle,

sipping sap during a breezy

afternoon of sunshine

while mother moon tickles our soul

at sundown.

These leaves of mine have toasted,

falling feverishly to the ground, leaving

my twiggy bald head, exposed.

Beauty comes from within

As the dying tree stands alone.