Against Gray Skies

By Geraldine Clark Felt

Would that all my life may be a time

of dignity, edged with humor, with sharing—

like a tree with roots deep and dependable,

able to withstand drought.

Dressed always in whimsy of seasons

from fragile gold-greens of spring

all lacy and laughing,

to shade-maker greens of summer.

Finally my brief span of autumn

allows longed-for color.

Winter limbs will still reach upward,

graceful brush marks

against gray skies.

Even when spring

does not bring back leaves,

empty branches can provide

a perch for nesting birds.

Electronic imaging by Charles M. Baird