A Tree – Carol Smallwood

It stands out from others no matter the season—
a skeleton tall, frail, pale, without leaves or bark;
why it’s that way I wonder, try and guess the reason.
When it rains or snows it looks even more stark.

A skeleton tall, frail, pale, without leaves or bark
stretching upwards by a road less traveled by night,
when it rains or snows it looks even more stark,
ghostlike as if doomed by some fatal decay or blight.

Stretching upwards by a road less traveled by night
why it’s that way I wonder, try and guess the reason—
ghostlike as if doomed by some fatal decay or blight
it stands out from others no matter the season.

CAROL SMALLWOOD

Carol Smallwood’s fourth poetry collection, In Hubble’s Shadow, and her first essay collection, Interweavings, was just released from Shanti Arts. A multi-nominee for the Pushcart, she has founded and supports humane societies and started taking creative writing classes after returning to college.