departure

Graceful Exit

in leaving
the leaving of self
behind

it begins
at the edges
the full disclosure

the nourishment
of beauty
soul food

fading blooms
spiral
into themselves

while leaving
they reveal the beauty
of their complexities

all
woven together
departure and arrival

behind
the missing spot
lies tomorrow

columbine departs
trinity of trinity
leaves asunder

white flags raised
the field
is surrendered

on red leaf wings
summer days
fly away

each leaf
in their own time
glory then the fall

as leaves depart
the hideaway
is made known

fall arrives
as leaf and shadow
dance in waning light

with all of youth departed
the essence laid bare
great beauty remains

delicate departure
wild aster
in seed