A close-up shows a dry, cut plant stalk lying horizontally

A close-up shows a dry, cut plant stalk lying horizontally. Several brown, dried stems radiate from the stalk's cut end, scattered across bare earth. There's a small cluster of green leaves and spiraled tendrils nearby, suggesting new growth amidst decay. Other dried stems, seeds, and debris litter the scene. The overall impression is of the end of a growing season and the persistence of life.