Autumnal Poem

Leave it to trees to teach us the craft of death.

Once green, there is no fading

No tablecloth in the sun but rather

a bursting. Pomegranate arils between white teeth.

This bursting. It catches us between an ode and a dirge.

The transfixing burgundy blood of tupelo. Ginko gold.

Mottled stars of sweet gum trees.

Rebellious revelry before deep sleep.