A sea of oak trees stand
bereft of flowering leaves
snow covers their branches
winter, only it’s harshness gives
Under weight of snow
under biting cold
they stand silent
their feelings don’t show
some wait in patience
to be avenged by spring
But others, not so
for deep within
a bitterness grows
hope seeps away
dreams of cornucopia afar
as barks peel in layers
leaving sap as char
These ones, now faithless
bitter bones on show
birthing agnostic acorns
falling deep into snow

©Vivian Zems

December Writing Prompts 28, 31/31

Real Toads