On a tree stripped bare by winter
One lonely leaf glistening still.
A crimson hue, swaying tethered
Tossed about with windy chill.

Autumn left her cold and shivering
As winter took it's rightful place.
Robed in white royal beauty
Crowned with icy diamond lace.

Brave leaf, the only splash of color
Like blood against the new white snow.
Twisting, cold and knowing, shudders.
Regretfully she would let go.

Winter, tired of all the waiting
In anger and with biting breath,
Reels and sends with blizzards gailing
The last lone leaf to her death.

She floats away in cold surrender
Knowing that she'd done her best
To dress the woods in autumn splendor
And now at last goes to her rest.

11/29/2001

Posted on 11/29/2001
Copyright © 2024 Mary Ellen Smith