twist
in the air
 
call 
as they fall
 
skeleton trees
clutch remaining leaves
 
twigged palms 
useless
 
against the shifting winds 
of winter.
 
flicking birds from their perch 
careless icicle finger.
 
those that stay
reveal how stark
 
the limbs beneath
the moulting bark
 
poised above
their fallen brethren in
 
attentive stance
 
these clinging scraps
of birdlife
 
frailty
at a glance