Ashen Roots

Where once a verdant grove murmured,
within its shade, the secrets of life
Now a scattering of stark shadows lie bare,
naked before a monochromatic sun
Xyloclastic limbs clasp unrequited incense
offerings of lye, singed sage and wisteria
a contorted prayer to indifferent gods
And so, those skeletal sentries ever loom
over somber meadows of asphodel ash
Deprived their wards they mourn--voiceless
only an immutable silence to implore,

"¿Por qué los árboles esconden el esplendor de sus raíces?"

Author's Note

Final line is from the Spanish poet Pablo Neruda, "Why do trees hide the light/splendor of their roots?"