Savannah

wild seeds take root in spring
slapped to life by cool, clean rain
gaining strength to push away
from fertile soil and maternal clay
giving animals air to breath

summer sun makes strong and tall
recklessly reaching for the sky
fighting droughts and storms
but only the lucky survive
predator's deadly jaws

fall descends like a love-starved lady
bending gracefully in the wind
down, down, down to the ground
touching the earth with a gentle sound
spared of the combine's blade

winter reaps the colored leaves
brown and withered frosty days
clouds blot out the holy light
until a silent, snowy night
grants precious sleep to the countryside

Houston, Texas '82