The last Leaf

Petrified brown bark silently waits as
new green dots the winter-damaged tree

Ah, the soothing silky leaves comfort its
skin, smoothing the cracked, dry surface

Thoughts of shivering nakedness are replaced
with the covering of new hope, warm and snug

The tree dances and shakes its new garment
laughing in all of its splendor

Welcoming all of nature giving it shelter
loneliness is a faint memory now

First chills of change turn the green to
orange and red, it glows with glory

All to soon, cold air hanging drops to
its knees, kissing the colors of the tree