The winter tree a lot like me,

Casting its shadow meek and small.

One time brilliant in its glorious array,

Through the artistic flare of fall,

The winter tree a lot like me,

Has summed the days of time.

The echoes of greatness and dignity,

Within the living heart still chime.

The winter tree a lot like me,

Had its wondrous days in the sun.

He finds himself so thinly clad,

Far from the moment when he begun.

The winter tree a lot like me,

Has faded into the winter’s night.

I and he begin to see,

The end draws close within my sight.

The winter tree a lot like me,

Feels the cold night’s winds that blow.

Longing for the warm summer days,

When dreams with strength did grow.

The winter tree not like me,

Flowing with hope that makes it sing.

But for me unlike the tree,

There is no hope for another spring.