Autumn
To J.A.
Do you ever remember
Those long hot summer days
That lay on us like a welcome
To the world and grown-up ways,
That lay on us like a blessing
Lest the world and our own fear
Obstruct initiation into
Mysteries drawn near?
Do you ever remember
Those last few stolen days
When autumn came and 'adult'
We had gone our separate ways?
*
Autumn comes, and falling
Each leaf for summer pays,
And the naked tree in winter
Survives, but cannot praise,
Survives in aching silence
The birth of the new year:
But if the tree itself is felled
And left to rot, my dear?
