The Naked Tree

The leaves had fallen long ago
The bark had peeled away
And yet the tree was proud and strong
As it stood there every day

No flowers bloomed on its branches
No birds came there to roost
No butterflies seeking nectar
No leaves, no seeds no fruit.

No animals sought its cooling shade
For it had nothing left to give
That life was gone and all but over
Now it only had to live

And live it did with all its strength
Standing proud and firm and tall
Stripped bare of everything but its soul
An example to us all

No flash of flower or scent of fruit
No gentle waft of leaves
Just branches shorn of everything
On a proud and naked tree