we watch as the leaves
turn to rust and gold
so beautiful

then winter comes

the leaves drop
trees left naked

that one tree
that special tree
which always
provided us with
shade

that one tree
which watched
as we grew

this winter it
has shed its leaves
for the last time

spring will come
and other trees
will sprout leaves
grow taller
and watch as
we too grow older

spring will hide
the tree which
watched us grow
but we will
not forget

maybe time will
be merciful
and help the beauty
of spring
lessen the loss
of our favorite tree

06/04/2000