Endings
At Christmas
We have a tree
Fresh and green
We bring it home
Decorate, illuminate
Dream on its forest magic
For several weeks
The tree presides
Over the room
It is regal
And we love it
Its evergreen essence
Enters our deepest imagination
And we decorate it
In stars and garlands
Colour, baubles, lights, gifts
Then as the holiday unfolds
The tree visibly ages
Needles become brown
And fall
The branches bow
Under the weight
Of passing expectations
The party is over
The tree dies
And we learn
That beauty is not infinite
That life comes
And goes
And we owe much
To memories
Accepting and loving
The end of the tree
We witness
Life and death
And then look forward
Anticipating the promise
Of a New Year