the agony of the leaves -

now I know how it can change you,
the knowledge of it's coming,
how it can force the color from your eyes,
and bleed it from your voice.

I saw it in your face when you heard,
the way the wind swept you internally,
and you were altered.

Knowing is crueler than we can anticipate.

The phone told you,
called your name,
and gave you the word.

And my blue-eyed boy went pale.

The moment will rob you,
take and take and take
her away,
but you will have to wait,
death will take it's time, take it's toll.

Perhaps take you,
turning you about,
forcing the stem and the root and the reach of your past.

How I fear for you,
and the way this will move us,
dropping to the earth.

Let us settle together,
seek the warmth in the snow,
burrow or slumber,
grieve near her heart
while mine beats
on.






GLS
12.3.96