Mighty Maple

There you go again, fading faultlessly

As though you didn’t want me to notice

As though you didn’t realize your loss

And I adore your presence in the spring

But your true colors are exposed most

When you quiver in the crisp fall zephyr

If the evening sun angles to your favor

You appear to be more alive than ever

Yet I’m sorry to know your cry for heed

Grants no wishes toward your mortality

And that the flattery fails to stop time

So your richest red and brightest yellow

Is the final statement you will herald

Before the winter cloaks you in white

Like a child I will defend your beauty

Step outside with a glue bottle in hand

With innocent intention to revive you

But my feet crush your fallen assets

Those dry skeletons that were once nimble

And used to wave as I ran down the street

But it’s not your fault, it’s just your time

And I respect your aim to fade so casually

Yet anticipate your revival in the spring

And appreciate your tangled fall tantrum.