"I Grow Content" by Lauren McBride

I Grow Content

Lauren McBride

I hold aloft bare branches - 

"Seasons" Watercolor on Paper
By J. Artemus Gordon

black lace against blue sky

beneath a warming sun.

Invigorated, I grow fuzzy

and break out in pale green.

People notice and smile,

and speak of spring.

Steadily I fill out,

balancing limbs laden 

with breeze-catching leaves

hiding my naked form.

People come to rest beneath.

I rustle and wave 

in bright sunshine

before my lush crown                                                

changes color and grows thin

with each gust of wind.

People come to see

and take pictures 

or gather my lost leaves.

In chilly air, my balding 

branches turn white

and grow heavy with snow.

I feel stiff and cold 

down to my roots.

Few come to visit.

I stand silent, waiting

until a warm wind blows,

bringing youth and vigor 

back to my veins. My boughs 

leaf out green again.

Both taller and wider this year,

many can rest in my shade. 

I grow content.

Poet's Notes:  This poem gives voice to a tree that enjoys sharing its gifts with people. I used "grow" in the title and last line for its double meaning, and employed an age-related extended metaphor for the changing seasons.