Brief Brilliant Afternoon

Chapel at "John Paul's college" this afternoon around 4 PM colored by the sunlight low on the horizon but bright through the spaces of bare trees.

Chapel of Christ the King, Christendom College, Front Royal, Virginia on the waning afternoon of December 3, 2015

Sturdy, Leafy Friends

My brave wintergreens

prevail

against the frozen snow.

Framed in crystal white,

with looming, stretching shadows

gathered over them,

they rise up

verdant, vital, bright emeralds

in the play of the lowering light.

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Ivy, ivy, ivy

creeping

over crumpled last year's leaves

and roots of sleeping trees.

Deep hues of ivy.

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Green and white,

dappled sunlight!

.

I take inspiration from my sturdy, leafy friends.