In the autumn sunlight
the old maple tree lights
its fire of glory.
celebrating another ring
on its calendar.
I have seen many
of those rings formed.
sat by my bedroom window.

the boy across the street
waves to his pretty girlfriend.
She runs to him as he picks her
up light as feather.
they embrace
I can see clearly
he loves her.
I am behind
the curtain they
do not see me.

They do not see my envy
of her
he is so handsome
almost beautiful.
I have watched him
for years.
from boy to youth to man.

If I close my eyes
I am in his arms
he kisses me softly
I respond to him passionately.
It is but a harmless daydream.
the seasons will change
from red to gold to white.

I will see him everyday.
not once will he see me.
As they dance away
into the joy of life.
A wave of self pity
causes the tears
to build in my eyes.
what if he were to look
up to my window
and see me crying.

I press the reverse button
on my wheelchair
and move into the shadows
of my room.