Autumn Leaves

As Autumn leaves Fleeing before the frost It hides itself in mounds Earth-bound summer splendor Now spent, waiting for the insects to nest A brief moment of color A last hurrah, as Autumn leaves In golden hues and red as blood The veins showing As the color recedes into dusty scales Falling, falling to the earth Fall; Fall - Where the heads bow to the earth In soundless wonder Donning the summer cape To face the winter naked Yet all is not lost As the wind-rustling sounds Cannot touch the buds hidden tender 'tis time to rest In grey and white lack of color Bedding soft - covered with linen white 'tis time to rest, to sleep Until the birds return