I. Love Leaves

I’ve tried to catch the brilliant breaths of Fall
Upon these leaves, the leaves that fall in pairs
When blowing breezes catch them like the call
Of parting geese that pull up startled stares
Of lonely walkers lost in gloomy cares.
I wish the stronger fires darkened last,
But know the boldest branch is quickest bare,
Its golden riches tossed to wintry blasts.
The other seasons’ colors can’t surpass
Crisp whisper of the wind in trees and ears,
The wild turn of hues in forests vast,
Or how my eager hands burn as you near.
I call, though without wings, as dusk turns dark,
For fear that love must leave, trace leaves’ same cooling arc.

II. Brilliance at Death

Fall ‘s the season when we know time best
Not cut by clocks but passing bright and real.
The birds depart. Cold winter takes their nests
And makes the sky a gray, cold, dome of steel.
Do we ever so intensely feel
As when upon the threshold of our deaths?
Or better know the turning seasons’ wheel
Than when its chill is rolling o’er our breasts?
Light ghosts the cold air makes of our hot breaths
Reminding us we live, respire, die.
Like bees that dart about in mean distress
We seize at every moment passing by.
Indeed, we know of time the best in fall
Or, rather, know, at last, our love for all.