Many Times

Middle of October,

cool overcast day,

wet from recent rainfall.

And the trees and bushes are somber,

wearing sober greens of many shades.

They feel the loss

of the open richness of spring and summer –

life bursting forth, and flourishing

in greens that celebrate.

They are sad now,

hung down,

withdrawing for the coming chill and cold,

and the attack of winter,

the losses they will take.

Been through this before,

many times,

many times…