Autumnal

In the first storms of autumn
Leaves are being torn from the trees
Like tears when someone wails with grief

They pour off in wild sheets, the trees
Turn and yield them - some breaking
Lying, shattered and sideways after the gale

After that there is a peace

One sees through branches to a crystal sky
But a few leaves tremble before the
First snowfall, anologous to stubborn
Memories and closeted hopes

Relucutantly falling alone, one by one

Until the winter, when the metallic sky
Surrounds every branch

A discerning eye will catch
The one or two leaves remaining
Unwilling to fall, not giving up

Like an old man's memories of Love