Woodpecker tree

Barkless trunk stares out from park

Grey spire among the green

Woodpecker tree stands dying

Beak thwacks on wood

Hopes something sticks its head out

To see whose knocking

Maybe the living will gather you in its branches

Prop you up a little longer

Before you go to ground

Until you snap off in a storm or

Go quietly in the dark

Boots on, roots up

3-26-21