leaving.

Autumn approaches.
Time of floating, swimming, tumbling leaves.
I watch as they fall away
one by one
until only a few are clasped tightly.
Held dear.
The questions once more arise-
Whether this sapling can weather
another winter?
To endure the pain of loss
and gain.
Again.
The mourning of what is irreclaimable.
The excruciating regeneration.

And why can't I be Evergreen?