The seasons in the forest

My leaves bake in the heat of the sun, trying
to rustle in a non-existent breeze. The summer
is one of the hottest I’ve been through and
my branches feel nearly impossible to hold up.

When autumn comes, I thank the breeze and
the fog for coming in the nick of time. I watch
the neighbouring trees turn red and gold,
but I don’t. I am a gum tree.

I can sense the weather getting chillier, and
every tree is losing its leaves. Even I am, but
from the wind. At last, flakes fall out of the sky
and my frozen branches are carpeted with snow.

After two nights, it melts away and the sun
gleams on the water puddles all around.
Bees come out and pollinate the bright
blossoms all over my roots. It’s spring.

This is the way the seasons change, and
I cherish each and every one of them.