Service berries, red and full,
continue clinging to bare branches;
water droplets from a drizzling rain
resemble ice tears
as they sparkle and brighten a dull day.
Majestic pine trees standing straight and tall,
like sentry guards
or some wayward big brother;
the striking green needles
adding texture to the dreariness.
Black walnuts gather on the ground
beneath the naked mother tree,
hulls fading from palest green
to ripened yellow-brown
promising yummy treats to come.
A lone red cedar towering over all the others,
watches over all with grandfatherly ease;
although no longer young and vital
the weathered branches continue to hold
a calm and peaceful quality.
