in autumn, turning into
a crimson hue. You break off
and fly. Swirling in the
breeze, far from the tree. And then

the billowing wind picks you up
with the dust and rain. And you
land on top of a city street drain. You fall
in the slits of life, edges pointy as

a knife. It’s dark in the ***** water
hole. You stick out as an ugly,
thick mole on milky skin. None see
you riding the sewer. Your pursuer –

a fat rat, seeing you as a raft
to take him on a greasy journey. You wake
lying on a gurney. You once was green,
a gleam in your father’s eye. Surprise!