Leaves burn brightest on the trees
In this last vestige of Autumn
glowing embers failing
to frozen earth
Still, some shocks of opal
ring through amber
light
This bittersweet turning,
a gift of letting go
A less than subtle invitation
to see that I am not evergreen
that I spin with the earth,
that I shed my skin
and grow it
over and over
again
All there is to do
is continue
walking this forest path,
Humbled by a deep knowing
it will come to an end
All there is to do
is drink the earth's offering,
Let it fill my cup with a thankful heart
and witness all that passes
as if this is the very last time
I have seen
a leaf
fall.