The tree stood
naked in the sunlight
clustered around other trees
silent and bare.
A gust of wind
shook its leafless limbs
reaching to the sky.
It was uniquely alone,
yet part of many
shivering in the
bleak November cold.
It had seen the seasons of life
slip by slowly.
Now weary with waiting
it sighed with surprise
at the warmth
of the Creator’s love
renewing its tired trunk.
Mingling with the sound of rustling leaves
sitting at its feet, it said,
“I’m free to be me.”