The trees have ruddy cheeks
after a season of heavy drinking,
but as rays and rains retreat,
a skeletal hand
beckons me to lie in shadow
below my favorite tulip tree,
amidst the signature pattern
of DNA forestry.

If I escape into unknown dark,
a place sunlight can never hold,
will knowledge be bestowed
from the underside
of limb and branch?
I duck and take a chance, besides
enlightenment never trickles.
It is always avalanche.

The bark, a sort of braille,
is a hidden language,
and by touching it we speak,
myself and ancient tulip tree,
sharing spells through silent system,
wrinkled body ‘gainst wrinkled hand.
Is that not real wisdom?

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The Flush of Fall was inspired by the poem Limbs and Leaves. You can read more of K.’s poetry at Yard Sale of Thoughts.

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Jeff Flesch

Author, #1 Amazon New Release Nature Speaks of Love and Sorrow

Co-Author, #1 Amazon Bestseller, Wounds I Healed: The Poetry of Strong Women

Author of the Month, Jan/Feb 2022, Spillwords Press

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