the look of red leaves on dampened earth

the way the little maple endures

gaunt trunk bent in deference to wilder

one season to next never thicker yet grand

its full red glory reflecting August’s fair light

leaning away from the giants encroaching

to catch a sliver of sun

its shimmer inviting juncos to alight for rest

while waiting their turn in the bath below

the shade of her wide mid summer canopy

the subtlety of her muted autumn shedding

scarlet leaves loosed one x one on windless

days to spin sway turn in improvised solos

each one an exalted prima in high spotlight

while a mere human in slack jaw wonder

slow breathes as single witness

awaiting anticipating

the last leaf’s graceful landing

a funeral hymn’s replay expected

mourned like the loss we always thought

we’d never meet again~