One tree has turned,

And the others fold their branches,

Narrow their eyes,

And shake their heads.

"It's not even gotten cold yet," they scoff

And hang on to their green.

"Maybe this year the frost won't come," they tell themselves.

And as the wind blows their tops around,

They peer this way and that and look for signs.

I have turned with that one tree

Because I see its wisdom.

It seems like I have given up,

Given out, that I wallow in doubt,

But I have deep faith, like roots.

I believe in you and love and life,

And I can see

That Winter is coming.

-jenn