The Trees Prepare for Winter

they swish
sway bob
flying in fall dance
 
the leaves
part from their
mothers
 
some reluctant
clinging tight
 
others bend
to the will of the wind
swirling away
 
pushed by Old Man Winter’s
insisting arms
 
Jack o’ lanterns
come to life
a spooky face
creases one
delighted fire smile upon another
 
while the trees
creak twist wail
in the howling Halloween
wind
 
candy galore
lollipops of every
flavor lemon apple
soda
“black cat” licorice ropes
 
Thanksgiving comes
undeniable smells of
pumpkin pie
fluffy mashed potatoes
and turkey carcasses
browned to perfection
so tender it oozes
juice
 
while the trees
nod pleasantly to
each other
as they ready for winter
 
through it all,
Old Man Winter
approaches
like a shadow that
never flees
 
his purpose grows clearer:
 
a white blanket upon our
land for
many months