Natural succession

With a trim, fit sheen,
paving a path to progress—
trees changing seasons.

Unwanted

Scarred, marred, and thorny
relationships; cast aside,
felled trees on sidewalks.

Wintry sun, the son,
radiating defiance,
against trees, parents.

Shrivelling over time,

crippling under the world’s weight—

the ageing, the tree.

Waking blurry eyed,
though ashamed and regretful—
adult? Accepted.