Life strays away from lamenting leaves Trees stand as ghosts of what they used to be Yet 'neath the wintery soil Their roots bide in rest out of sight, safely Holy skies bless the Earth with rain Resurrecting waters stream once again Face the ancient stones so cold They greet the Sun deriding times' defeat Yet concrete temples tower lifelessly Cast a fleeting shadow at their swaying feet Come the day that marks their defeat As woods gently reclaim the forlorn streets