Thumbsized and green

in perfect symmetry

this crisp autumn day

in clusters they ride the branches

bending and rocking

as shifting winds take off

their leaves like unnecessary details


 
Still perfectly positioned

above this quiet city street

with unsteady traffic

their green hearts aim toward the future

toward that magnificent globe

as yet untouched by gluttonous beaks

Red and weightless

one hangs in that mess of green

and overarching blue sky

incredible to the human eye below


 
But the season has yet to bring down

the rest into brilliant pools of color

until trampled and rained upon

they will fold their features

into the earth

turn toward the new season

with its limited light

its cold ache beginning

to make them grow heavy

their past already history

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