Not Leave for Winter

Perhaps I’ll lose my leaves and stay this year, To join winter’s bleakest winds and hours; My northeast friends will leave and disappear For southern sun and obsequious flowers. Only a stray, grey squirrel will appear To find if nut from fall may still be found. My thin bark may be gnawed by hungry deer As no food may be found upon the ground. For winter force’d nascent thoughts inward And I must have the luxury to weigh An eidolon, now so froward, The freedom to gestate and have its way. Then spring shall come and her new buds emerge For Life’s Forms shall have their demiurge.