Bare Cypress Branches

Bare cypress branches
Where crimson cardinals play.
The gray, somber sky
Marks this winter’s day.
There’s beauty in the bareness,
The cold that numbs my nose.
Icy flakes, frozen lakes-
Cypress covered in snow.

Bare cypress branches
Where once the foliage burned
Orange and rust and goldenrod
Before the season turned.
There’s beauty in the blaze of color,
The crispness of the air.
Crunching leaves and autumn breeze-
Cypress with copper flair.

Bare cypress branches
At one time green and lush.
Pops of colorful flowers and vines
Dotted the underbrush.
There’s beauty in the fragrant growth,
The honeysuckle and daisy.
Hazy skies and dragonflies-
Cypress cool and shady.

Bare cypress branches
Where soon the leaves will grow.
April showers bring May flowers,
After the March winds blow.
There’s beauty in the blush of spring,
When life begins anew.
Dogwood blooms, jasmine perfumes-
Cypress with morning dew.

The turning of the seasons,
Unpredictable though they be,
Are observed with delight
In that little cypress tree.
There’s beauty in my Father’s world,
If we open our eyes to see.
Honor and praise to Him are raised
The earth is filled with His glory.