Autumn of the Moon

Twas the autumn of volition, at the equinox moon,
The hot Summer wind blew slow its retreat.
The leaves were afire against a molten sky,
As slowly they fell to the ground at my feet.

I reached out to touch what death surely claimed,
Then callously dropped to the earth far below.
Its dry, brittle bones soon crushed in my hand,
I tossed it aloft, sadly bidding it go.

I pitied the tree whose body had borne them,
Its pale naked limbs looking oddly forlorn.
Its children all scattered and dying beneath,
It reached to the sky as it silently mourned.

I thought of my own life, my past and my future,
Of those on my path, I’d discarded and fled,
With ominous gestures my demons did face me,
Visions of terror now danced in my head.

My life could not be so shallow and empty,
When death would come calling to enter his claim.
Let my last breath go to one who adored me,
Who treasured in life, would remember my name.