Betula pendula tristis

In. mem. J. Frost

 

This year the birch’s leaves are sparse,

its limbs palsied with age,

thinner than the rest

betula pendula tristis.

 

In autumn it’s in the

winter of life,

cankered all over

betula pendula tristis.

 

Yet the colours flare up

with gold leaf, rich red –

last letters to the ants below

betula pendula tristis.

 

It reminds you me of you, dear friend,

throwing it all to the wind

before the frost came

betula pendula tristis.