Skull cracked on a hanging branch when lightning struck,
moonlight flickering through a thin coat of leaves.
As the great oak crashed to the ground, so did she.

Uneven braids once swung over patched pink shirts
now spotted dark with flecks of rain and tears.
Skull cracked on a hanging branch when lightning struck.

Under a dripping canopy, how safe it seemed
blinding bolts obscured by frail twigs, weaving.
As the great oak crashed to the ground, so did she.

The growling storm burrowed through finger shields
it's cries a steady rhythm matching her shrieks.
Skull cracked on a hanging branch when lightning struck.

She begged for mother, voice shrill and scraping
lithe arms wrapped tight around massive swaying tree.
As the great oak crashed to the ground, so did she.

Down with the ship, into a rising sea
washing away hair ribbons in swirling streams.
Skull cracked on a hanging branch when lightning struck;
as the great oak crashed to the ground, so did she.