preach, you pretty leaves,
sentinels of Autumn scene.
lift, before you land
on mortal soil.
in your past days
little ones could reach you
only with tenacity and courage.
earth-bound, you’re raked and cradled,
in gleeful and determined arms,
you’re piled high,
and now you see your child fly -
he leaps into your arms.
the clock’s forward reach -
a sexagenarian sees Autumn leaves
and feels the weight of them
as a sapient chill arrives
11/1/2022
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