A Winter's Prayer

My leaves have all curled

 and fallen to the ground

 my weather worn bark

 has split its seams

I am covered with

 the tiniest of snowcrystals

making a chilly deposit

on each of my

once glorious branches

Let me have this time

of solace and reflection

to replenish all that has been lost

when the sparrows have left

and their songs

no longer enchant my soul

may I have that memory

to bring me forward

may I have that memory

while I slumber

Let me take this time

to gather my visions

for tomorrow's new dawn

will bring change and warmth

the buds of my leaves

will come forth and

raise their hearts to the light

of the glorious sun

until then

 let my heart

be conent

let my dreams

be calm

 my will strong

until God's  light

brings beauty's rest

to a close