Lifecycle

As sunlight dims and darkness widens,
Gracious autumn elm, this aging mother,
Watches for approaching winter.
Releasing painted offspring one by one,
She kisses each and waves goodbye.
Her aimless, restless wanderers,
Without course or destination,
Are leaving home forever.

She stands in silence, flocked in splendor,
Asleep and childless and passing time
Till Spring’s warm breeze, like lover’s murmur
Wakens all in joyous birth.
Contented elm nurses new babes,
Who grow in whispering anticipation
Of freedom’s flight and wandering
And leaving home forever.