Juniper Tree

I do not envy the tree that keeps its green

Against the savagery of winter.

Long, tenuous, green finger-like leaves

Drooping from slender, reptilian-like branches.

The juniper's green leaves-
A stark contrast to a dull grey landscape.

Its slender trunks are visible through

weeping bunches of branches and leaves.

Leaves that aren't brittle, evergreen needles

but similar to a succulent plant's leaves;

thin, bulbous and bendable.

Pressing against the window

Is the juniper tree;

Does it seek shelter

From brutal winds that 

rock it back and forth?

Does it seek the warmth 

that leeks out

into the bitter cold?

Bark like my skin;

Dry, flaky, because 

winter ravages it

as bark protects 

tender flesh.

With no sun 

to warm them,

leaves curl

 in on themselves.