Naked,

The trees.

Bark is thinner

Than last winter.

What were they hiding?

Snow grows colder.

Trees, once warmer,

Must adjust

To the temperature.

Noises are louder, winds harsher,

Trees are stagnant, longer and longer.

What makes them stronger?

They have roots,

Yet no shelter,

Grow more stubborn

As ice gets harder,

Feel more pressure

With each stressor.

Degrees are lowered,

Yet they don’t shiver…

What is their secret?