I Envy the Evergreen Tree

I ENVY THE EVERGREEN TREE

I envy the evergreen tree.
His bright coat calling
to those seeking comfort.
The birds change course
just to find him.

My only chance at companionship
lies in these crude birdhouses,
dangling precariously from my bare limbs;
a sad display
of my loneliness.

I envy the evergreen tree.
His needles are strong,
and do not bow
under the weight
of the descending gloom.

My own branches are bare,
and the angry wind
bends them
to his will.

I envy the evergreen tree.
he is alone,
but he is not lonely,
surrounded by the weary
and wandering.

Yet as they arrive,
they see his color
is a lie.
He is deception.
He is pride
and cannot give them
what he never possessed.

I envy the evergreen tree
for his beauty and armor.
Yet,
though he has many admirers,
he has no friends.
I find I am sorry for it.

Although I am ugly,
I offer comfort.
I am home.
I am a place to rest.
I will soon offer a shield of leaves
to hide them
from the storm.

Why do I envy the evergreen tree,
When it is the evergreen
That should envy me?