let me die
the brazen death
of a maple leaf
choked of chlorophyll
facing fate fearlessly with
fiery red flare
green then gold, a weakening grip.
red then release,
a resting place.
a life of service,
sustaining its source.
all growth for a greater good.
death’s decomposition
perpetuates purpose.
nourishing tree roots, unseen.
(Today, I am grateful for maple trees.)