Waiting for Autumn

 She chooses to remember that Sun was kind
 when he whispered morning melodies
 Fed her green smoothies 
 and avocado toast
 Smiled and ­­­­­told her to hang on
 a better day was dawning  
 
 The ritual continued day and night  
 Sunshine and young Leaf played games on neighbors' shadows
 until Moon chased Sun from the branches
 Sun always managed to find a purple mountain to hide behind
 While Leaf played hide and seek with Moon
 Sun was a patient and gentle suitor
 He knew he could court his Precious One again in the morning dew
  
 But now Leaf's skin is cracked and prematurely wrinkled
 All because Summer ravaged her imagined rival 
 After hearing the Four Winds taunt
 Leaf's boundless beauty could not be matched nor denied 

 Summer was relentless this year
 With her
 hot 
 soggy 
 Southern whiskey breath
 and moldy 
 stinging 
 pursed lips
 Jealousy joined Summer and together
 they overpowered the youngling and others like her
   
 Leaf  turned to catch a glimpse of an old friend
 Who decided long ago to mock Fate
 Who drifted down a pitiless path
 With no one to comfort him 
 No one to dry his tears
  
 Helplessly, Leaf bounced down a cracked sidewalk
 that scratched and discolored her cheeks 
 Why did this happen to such an innocent part of creation
 Who merely longed to dance and twirl and laugh 
 with Grandfather Tree 
 Who closed his eyes for just a moment and lost his hold on her
   
 If she had a little more time, she thought
 She could say good-bye to those who loved her for a Season
 It's too early
 Not even October, she cried
 So unfair  

 Leaf  landed on a stranger's lawn
 Her tired fingers released her hold
 on the brittle dry grass
 She resigned to the idea
 that this was her final resting place
  
 Leaf will be content until she sees her Beloved Autumn
 Whom she never met but heard stories about 
 How he cools the brow of Nature's broken ones 
 with his misty kisses
 And takes them to his sanctuary
 Specially prepared for those who trust him
  
 There Springs and Waterfalls sing in harmony
 Old things are made new
 And Love and memories grow new gardens  
 In due Season
  
  

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10 Sep 201910 Sep 2019 by cs hopkins Categories: PoetryTags: Autumn, Envy, Friendship, Garden, Hope, Leaf, Leaves, Love, Memory, New Life, Seasons, Summer, Waiting 2 Comments