Twisted Phantoms of the Trees

Shadows in the snow,
Twisted phantoms of the trees
Stretch out flat and dark.







Below the sharp shadows
The dark stream is almost still;
A blackened mirror.

Tucked in the snow bank
Small patches of darkness
Form alternate world.










In the darkened woods
Sunlight pools mock the shadows;
(Or vice versa).











Two sentry shadows
Guard the snowbanks, soldier-straight;
Orders from the sun.











Leaf stuck in snow bank;
Old nest stuck in the brambles.
Both are history.









Shadows of the fir;
Softer than their source needles
Stretch upon the snow.

Red against green;
Trees complement each other.
Seasonal colors.










In their own bare spot
Old brown mushrooms still hold court;
A wise choice of space.