Poem: When I Arrived

When I arrived,
One mere erstwhile week,
The maple tree across
The lot was on fire
With autumn's brightest colors
And it lit up the world with
Its brilliant red flame.
I admired it instantly
And smiled because the
Color seemed to smile and wave
And scream to me,
"Welcome home!"
Each day, as I walked
Outdoors to my car,
The first thing I would see were
The vibrant red leaves
That twirled and danced
And waved to me and I'd smile.
A mere week ago the
Color stood out and
Shouted to the world
That autumn hath cometh;
Yet now, as I peer out the window
To the maple, the first living thing
To greet my return,
I notice its fire has dwindled and
Nearly gone out. This realization
Brings shock to my face
And as I cover my mouth with
My hand I whisper to
The skeleton tree,
"Thank you."

Erin M. Truesdale © 2013