Autumn Flame
By
Leo de Natale
Red. Or is it scarlet? The wind blows, reveals a cascade of blinding color. Acer rubrum is performing its annual Show
Neighbors standing mouths agape in awe on sunny days. It’s a thrill really. For a week maybe two the backyard is ablaze with red maple Leaves nature in full celebration
Like a snowflake each leaf is a variation; some totally scarlet others with Black markings, faint yellow stripes
Slowly, predictably, time takes control; leaves fall to the ground and Laughing grandchildren make snow angels in a sea of red
Street maples can muster only ho-hum yellow and orange leaves; none Compare to rubrum’s splendor
Alas in the blink of an eye the performance ends mottle leaves turning Brown/black
The naked tree thirty feet tall now laid bare; I cannot wait for spring to arrive when the Autumn Flame begins anew.
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