Autumn

Shivered shedding shrugs on high,
listing, drifting, sullen leaves,
falling down and down to die,
so the end that Autumn brings.

Brittled green of frozen grass,
huddled into sodden earth,
bearing full the frozen task,
waits for Winter's heavy birth.

Straggled, struggled branch and twig,
sulking dark to threaten sky,
looming, lusting, overhead,
frosted tears on singed bark sigh.

Waiting always through the days,
holding deep the hope of life,
so does nature plan her ways,
readying, to claim her tithe.