Struggles

Struggles

Naked trees, exposed
vulnerable to the bitter biting cold of winter
forced to dance with the wind.
The endless blue sky has few clouds
suggesting the limitless possibilities of life,
the few leaves left struggle to hold on
hoping that someday soon spring will come
and they will be embraced and welcomed by the branches.
A woman strides past on the sidewalk
fighting against the wind
determined not to be knocked down.
She clutches to her memories, indignant.
She won't let the wind scatter them
as life has done so many times before,
this time,
they are all she has left.

~Jennifer Novotny