My leaves have begun to turn
from the green of photosynthesis
to that pumpkin Autumn orange
descending below October skies
landing on the lush lawn of November.

Flat grey skies of overcast.
Of rain filled clouds - stretching-
as far as the horizon line
bursting at their rolling seems
to see this season’s first thunderstorm.

Once I am bare, naked, & exposed
the snow will come in blankets
covering all signs of my yearly decay
the malignancy of once being a sapling
who sprouted an eon of Springs ago.

My arms extended in every direction
inching and reaching for a sun
that has been masked and dimmed
in acceptance of this cycle of life
this years seasonal downtime.

The first rays of a new Spring
stimulate my entire being
sprouting new buds to leaf in quantity
giving momentary hope from knowing
that I am only living for the Fall.