Drought

Dry dust formed a dirt
like cobblestone path
leading up the trail
high on a hill
overlooking thirsty bare trees
weathered by the fall
and the unexpected lingering drought.
The leaves have curled up and crumbled
littering below the large tree trunks.
Left to decompose
over the cold and surely stale winter.
The wind carries these
fragments of defeat allowing
dust to swirl in the air.
Meanwhile squirrels scurry
to find easy places to hide
their winter nuts.
Above, clouds slash across the sky
appearing like loose untied ribbons. 
While the sun peers behind with regret.