The Autumn Wind
It’s a sizeable gust from off the sea
that brings a storm of leaves
like snowflakes that will not melt.
They alter his life
from iridescent to pale brown.
From the joy of her love
to the misery of existence.
With every swirl or onrush
he sees her saying goodbye
or, dressed in her long brown coat
turning her back to him
as she steps away.
It’s not as if he can grab a rake
and gather all her love into a huge pile
and jump in amongst it all.
He wonders, ‘What will happen to her?
Will she perish as the leaves do?
No! She will find a place
to grow a new life and take up roots.