willow trees lightly touch against the outer panes

perhaps in angst of seeing scattered leaves

within the study.

the room is muddy, hosting burnt auburn couches

and rust settees,

chestnut book casings, and warm amber

figurines.

the forest inside is a colorful fall, but the book spines stay frozen

unlike the oaks ******* outside

shrubs within find home in terracotta

outside the vines dip their toes in soil

and the master pens and pines inside the spines of

ancient trees, while the willows outside

stand watching, tapping their fingers

asking to grow inside.