Simple Shade

Simple shade
Dead leaves and me
Shiver beneath the dogwood tree.
If I'm to be stranded
Then let it begin.
I feel full for beginnings.
This past feels as if
To rot inside of me.
These empty foolish days
Each one a dime dipped in gold
Molten with the places
I think I miss.
Oh, the weary, worn days
Today the copper shows dull.
Will they be silver tomorrow?
Will the leaves stay gold?
I am dreaming of freedom
I feel so very old.
Autumn leaves can snap
And become powder.
Some years they are wet
Filled with slugs.
I have fallen into the pile
Without knowing them wet or dry.
I'm praying they exist at all.
Eyes skyward-
Through the branches
To see that God is gold.
And wanting for a better thing,
Falling asleep in a divine gaze.
Simple shade
Dead leaves and me
Shiver beneath the dogwood tree.