Picture by Casie Hines used with permission

Tender bud springs forth in full wonder of life,
Awakened by the warm smile of the rising sun;
Bathed in the purity of morning dew drops
And stirred in anticipation of the fresh new dawn.

Green days of youth unfold their arms,
Stretched out like a fully masted sail.
Exhilarated by their flight in the wind, they
Remain secure in timber ties to rooted strength.

Passing time paints in shades of autumn’s hue,
As shorter days exhale their frosted breath.
Temporal stems of obligation relax their grip
,Allowing winds of change to bring new flight.

Course of current carries loft towards winter rest,
Riding waves of latent dreams cresting in rebirth.
Life’s autumn leaf leaps with eyes on trusted goal
Unaware of pending halt in reckoned charted course.

Failing flesh of foliage late ends its forward motion
Caught on piercing rusty barb of mortal’s fated twine.