Budded Branch

For in the true nature of things, if we rightly consider, 

every green tree is far more glorious 

than if it were made of gold or silver.

Martin Luther

Winter has come and the trees

Already have begun to form next year's leaves;

At every place where a leaf has loosened and 

Flown on the blustery wind

A new bud, hard and dark, takes shape.

All winter they sleep and grow 

Strong through the cold, storms, and snows

When the first rains and warm sunny days arrive

The bud will swell and burst with new green.

If we will stop and look close 

We'll  learn that things are never as

Hopeless as they seem.