Early Autumn

It is early September, but already some trees are changing color. These harbingers of cold are only a reminder that all things change, despite the human desire for everything to remain the same.

When we acknowledge that change is truly the only constant we are better able to understand the desultory nuances of life.

Most change is subtle, gentle and we either noticed it or not depending where we place our awareness. I see it already in the poetic approach of autumn.

Autumn Times

© 2013 Rolland G. Smith

Who knows which leaf will leave its stem

When autumn breezes blow.

Do angels know or higher yet

When looking down below?

Fall winds are cool and gentle too

To brush the leaves off trees.

One here, two there, and then a group;

A sprinkling-floating spree.

Are leaves, like man, to pass when done

Or is there something more?

Or is there knowing ‘neath the bark

When they must seek the floor?

Within the glory of their green

There lies a splendor bright.

There’s crimson reds and mottled gold,

It is a magic sight.

But soon the colors fade to tan

And all that’s left is bark.

The leafy flesh is gone for now

The branches now are stark.

The trees know more than man can think

And all they do is wait,

But man must reason to his core

And wonder ‘bout his fate.

It’s true for man that past his flesh

There is a spirit soul

That lives forever-learning love

Despite each earthly role.

So what of leaves that part their stem

When autumn breezes blow?

Do angels know or higher yet

When looking down below?