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.)