Strip Trees

trees stand to attention
in full dress unmoved
by high heat or rain

but summer is a passing kiss
on an upbeat wind
and autumn brings seduction

light airs breathe a mist
leaves restless move
gracious heavenly

uplift into the pallid sky
a public unveiling
their scant dress scatters

tattered swirl and twirl
dance over hill and vale
while the last dragonfly of summer hovers

drifting joyfully into open air
a lone thread dangles, lingers
drops and all’s revealed

naked they stand
laughing loudly
in all their glory

© Richard Scutter 9 May 2007