Questions for Winter Oak Leaves

                                                             Winter is the season for
                                                              paying closer attention
                                                              to the commonplace.
                                                              Certain species of oak
                                                              trees retain their leaves
                                                              throughout the winter.


Brown leaves on silent trees,
why do you cling so tight?
Grasping the twigs that
gave you birth?

Through winter's icy grip
and punishing winds,
you stay - you persevere.
Did I hear you say
"we aren't done yet?"
Are you holding
your breath until spring?

What will signal
a lessoning of winter?
Clinking of falling icicles,
like chiming
of distant bells?

Come spring,
buds, surprised by warmth,
will swell beneath you.
Your dry leaves must
release and fall.
Announcing
to the warming earth -

     let go, breathe,
     make way for
     the new, aware
     of beauty
     in the present.

                                      -Clem Nagel


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