Hang on tightly, resisting the wind.
Cruel cold gusts push through the night
Stealing color and leaving mist in its wake
Roots take stock.
Maple leaves explode with beauty -
a plant that knows she works well with deadlines.
Flowers hide invisibly inside capsules of potential
luring animals to eat her flesh, so she may find
Loam to sleep under
for the winter
Until light and warm rain
Crack her heart open again.
