When autumn leaves
By Claretta Holsey
signs are partout
you read fall
like tome of
tea leaves
wind leaks through
her sun won’t raise itself
somebody’s got to
sacrifice arms
for the uplift you
grip her rope you
grin her burn
coax her from recess
of cradle
she arced from perfection to
perforation
God blows hot air
in the tear of the curtain
downriver drifting
on rivulets of
indecision
lifelines bob
optimistic like
good intentions
if you cut the cord
she’ll sweat this sickness
in the dark
a part of you is
okay with that
but you tie your arms
around her
and at least
the knots stay