Leaves of once-confidence
Slip suddenly off their stems.
Then thin, new growth
Now thickened by life,
Fed by fruit -
Until outward progress
Firmed and fattened these
Trunk and branches
(Staid by girth
And rooted in the sameness
Of place): soil that surrounds
Awaiting the first drop...
Tender snap to en-lightened fall.
Crispness of age and final days take
A surprising last dance,
Thrilling sky waltz,
Before the sleep that softens
Unfurls and decomposes
One symphony
After another.
