The Gilded Leaves of Autumn

I hear the gilded leaves of autumn sigh As underneath the oak I seek repose, As if they sense that death is drawing nigh For sunlight wanes and veins begin to close. How often have I sat beneath your shade And bared the deepest secrets of my heart, You were our witness when true vows were made And through the passing years our love did chart. Sweet moments cherished here bring healing balm And rescue me from sorrow's deep despair. I close my eyes and feel a sense of calm As echoes of shared laughter fill the air. For there in my mind's eye I see your face, My sweetheart, husband, long-abiding friend, Pretend that I still feel your warm embrace, For such a loss is hard to comprehend. Yet just as gilded leaves of autumn fall The cycle of our life must run its course. And happy is the soul who at the call Is rooted in love's deepest, purest source. 08/09/18 Impress Me With An Old Poem (002) Poetry Contest Sponsored by Poet Destroyer A