the green man lay dying, a willing sacrifice to the dark season of rest.

his once strong form now reduced to wood-bones and scorched seeds.

his once resplendent crown of summer leaves

left to burn in brightest shades of flickering orange upon the ground.

his kind face scored with scars, a peeling, withered husk.

his once green smile in shadow, a beautiful secret.

his heart, beating slowly, struggling to retain the smallest summer spark.

his eyes empty, gaze already turned inward to an eternal spring.

his final breath released, a fitful sigh of woodsmoke lingering upon the cold air.