Shortlisted in the top 10, Brenda Hall, Ruthin and District u3a 

Standing bare and black, naked branches lack 

their summer finery in all its glory. 

Stunted trunks like flesh-stripped bones 

tell their death story, 

creaking and snapping as the  

the thin wind groans. 

But beneath the moss and deep in earth 

roots stretch down and leach in all they need 

for the sap to rise and feed lifeless limbs. 

Green blood will flow from death’s cradle 

and each new bud will bid us hope 

for precious spring. 

Back to Poetry Competition - Winter Trees