Timber

He was green in early spring
slowly budding into a man
while I followed in his shadow
hope blowing in the breeze
carrying flowers from trees
and me, away

He grew in summer
into himself, strong
exuberant smiles and laughter
melodious on wind
as I nurtured his growth
in my direction

His true colors emerged
late in my fall
while I was already raking
fire licked leaves
blatant nature searing
felling me like a tree
flaming

It was winter when he went cold
bare, nothing more to offer
his shed life froze
like sleet sapped leaves
fallen, decaying
my love