Fallen cottonwood branches

There are cottonwoods along the shore at Peebles Island. Today I found many fallen branches. I do not recall a recent big storm that would have brought down so many branches.

Usually being among trees brings me serenity. But trees also fall with lethal ferocity. Today when I heard the trees moving in the wind, I felt fear at their power.  I also felt the bitterness of the cold.  That too can be lethal.  Nature is beautiful, but also powerful and merciless.