DJ Tyrer writes

Tree Death

Tree climbs heavenward
Bark veined and rutted deep
Beetles bore inward
Hiding from the egg-yolk sun
A hidden threat
An insect fifth column
Gnawing away from within
A healthy exterior
Belying a rotten core
Until, too late, too late
That mighty entity gives way
Dies, unable to stand
Topples
 
 Rotten Tree Trunk -- Michael Collier