Decidedly out of place –
Oak nestled in pine,
Sweetgum perched in magnolia,
Poplar tucked in cedar,
Lucky enough to find security hibernating in evergreen homes.

Unlucky ones, those browned by the passing of seasons,
cling desperately to life until they no longer have the power to resist.

Chased by an alarmed beagle, confusing them with dancing squirrels,
they somersault over asphalt, brick, iron and concrete,
they stumble across grass, dirt, straw and sticks,
bumping lightly into the cold froth to begin their own adventure.