Something terrible and painful must have happened

Something to shake her to her core

She must have been blindsided

It happened so suddenly, when least expected

After all, it was spring and the birds were singing

There was nothing menacing in the air

Life went on as usual

–

And then tragedy struck like a slap in the face 

Like a hit from behind

Where was this calamity coming from?

Why now?

–

But it was too late

The damage was done

She aged thirty years in one

She lost her verdant robe

She dried up

–

But even in this state

After that fateful day

After experiencing pain and suffering

And so much loss

She is still beautiful 

She is still standing tall

–

February 28th, 2022