One Neighborly Tree

One Autumn afternoon, I was forced to stall. Across the street on a corner lawn very small, stood a tree most beautiful and noticed by all. Each fall I enjoyed its breathtaking autumn display. That is, until four years ago when I moved away. Its memory arrested and captured me a few days ago. I was compelled to drive through my old neighborhood to experience once more that autumn tree, one of my favorite shows. But when I arrived and turned the corner, I was saddened because that lovely tree, once so generously covered with orange leaves, was no longer there. Its unsightly root system protruded above ground and disfigured the small lawn. It was then I understood why the tree had to go; but still, I regretted that I could no longer stare. I shall not forget those few years and brief moments we shared. It seemed that tree and I embraced each other with such a neighborly care. 11062016 Poetry Soup