Good-Byes Before Hellos

I once saw the world in clarity,

Each vine and leaf embedded

In my jade retinas.

But in September, the mist

Was ushered into my life.

I was wrapped in clammy hands,

Given one taper to see by.

The leaves that used to shimmer,

Now mocked me as they browned

And crumbled.

My jaded eyes saw hope in the trees:

The branches and trunks

That were roughed and forgotten.

I carved their flesh to reflect myself.

In spring the leaves returned,

But their youth would never

Be the same.