When the Leaves Leave

It's snowing now; has been for a day
Or more. The evergreens are pregnant
Pure with white, and the sidewalks sigh
With the weight until shovels clear
And the sun arrives and it can breathe again.

Now the elm tree waits, hoping Springtime will
Renew all the innocence and joy that
It once knew 'til the Winter winds
Blew her covers far away
And laid bare her soul for the world to see.

And you were gone in the early Autumn air.
As the leaves were falling, fate was
Planning, too. And you left me here
Standing stark and alone; sighing, shivering
With loss no one has ever known before.

...Sadly now, the leaves have simply blown
Away 'til threadbare limbs flail wild in
Winter winds. And I'm wondering,
Are you somewhere safe tonight?
And does God have mercy for those left behind?

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