when the autumn leaves begin to fall
and vibrant colors melt to earthen hues
I sink into ashen chills of damp earth—
brooding over a soft—mutable serenity
recognizing change—I burrow beneath
heavy blankets for warmth and security
under my fortress of cuddled sanctuary
I realize my whole life is but a metaphor
—discovering symbolism in everything
things I never understood when younger
seeing through darkened glass—but now
I write clearly in gentler paints of autumn
as winter’s winds prophesy cold shadows
on my naked quivers of lonely branches
I am warmed in one secluded ray of hope
reminding me again—of my divine destiny
for hidden beneath ephemeral leaves of skin
my spirit swells amongst every suffering
God’s vast cosmos of matter never perishes
to purposely rebuild us into better creations
honed by redemptions from our many falls
with faith—one final resurrection of spring
restores everyone—into unlimited possibility
healed as one colorful family of infinite love
