A Solemn Pair

Pervasively, harsh winds batter
The old, hewn face of an ancient boulder
Whistling through the last remaining leaves
Of a scrawny tree desperately clinging to its shoulder

Into the flurry, red and orange, crisp and dry
A single leaf disappears into the sky
Dark green moss hidden in depths of shadow
All this high above a lonely meadow

Ancient as the rock, so full of years
This tree casts its eyes over the horizon
As brightly burning sun kisses the earth
Wrinkles exaggerated, this tree seems more wizen

Twinkling stars appear from out of the deep
Called out by name so that the world can sleep
Unchanged by time passing the pair remain
With firm foundation their gravity they retain

By Pete Scopes