Acceptance

Now we see
dark descent
of trees
their own death
foreshadowed in
each bony
knob of roots
leaves green to golden
silent flecks
of grace
slowly crumbling brown
every maple 
and oak an
anxious lover
shedding her clothes
showing you the
beauty in long 
exposed limbs
nervous hopeful you
love everything she
has kept hidden 
behind shades of 
costumed brilliance.

Nikki Lockhart