A Fall (Villanelle)

To look at leaves that once were poems
and poets: branches against which
the colors blossom, autumn blooms

in elm, oak, magnolia perfumes
the unfolding buds strangely twitch
to look at leaves that once were poems.

Faint greens harden to verdant gloom
a depth and strength, vascular pitch
the colors blossom, autumn blooms

bright, fiery hues, the verse consumes
balanced on stems, a poet's stitch
to look at leaves that once were poems

that tip and tumble: falling looms
a failing voice, worn, graveled hitch
the colors blossom, autumn blooms.

The scattered forms at earthly tombs
are folded, crackled, the soil rich
to look at leaves that once were poems
the colors blossom, autumn blooms.