Leaves (repost - entered in the "Autumn" comp)

 
"Leaves"
 
The first leaf changes color  
Dangling un-fallen from the tree  
Its shadow wilts upon the floor  
Seemingly before one degree  
Has fallen from the mercury  
 
As flocks of birds in flight  
Moving south until the spring  
Like eyes that say goodnight  
Curling up and swaying  
Much like hands that wave goodbye  
 
Howling winds of Autumn  
Shake the waving mountain seas  
Even after the Mabon sun  
Winter cannot claim victory  
Until the last one leaves  
 
 
(*written 09/21/1987)
JJ