Does the leaf know that he’s dying
As the warmth of summer fades
And the sun is now the color of his clothes
Or waving at us in the wind
Until the quiet dive of death
Is he smiling
Is the mother oak grieving for her child
That forms on her strong branch
Knowing she will watch him grow and dance
And turn to gold, a bracelet on her arm
Just for her jewel to rust and be left
Naked
Or do these trees and leaves see past
The fast approaching winter
O death – can it be death when there is spring?
But when they part come winter’s chill
His veins, her bark, they feel it still
The sting
BD Pierce