To the Trees

Please don’t look at me that way. 

Last night it didn’t matter 

how close you were 

to one another; in fact, 

it was very sweet the way 

you leaned in to include 

even me in your silent embrace, 

but this morning, you are 

simply in the way, selfish

(and most unwelcome) 

in that way you always get 

this time of year, blocking 

out the sun, which is already 

so low on the horizon

I can barely tell it’s there, 

and you know how impatient

I always am for spring. 

So, a few of you must go 

away for good, but before 

you do, please come inside 

and join me in making this 

winter fire.

[LSS, 12/7/20]