The Withering

A poem for early spring and forgotten autumn.

No one marvels at fallen leaves when the first gust of spring breeze comes, carrying with its breath the putridity of autumn’s decay

Present as the remains of fragile foliage are their vibrant colours have leeched and washed away with the season’s final thaw Fall’s essence sinks into warming earth and down below the sewer grates

We look to the treetops for our first glimpses of green as we crunch the crumbling forebears of new buds beneath our eager feet

No one considers the withering

We’re so easily distracted by the enchantment of nubile youth

Rachel Ramkaran is an author, poet & flow artist. Find her on Twitter @TheRachelRam, Instagram @watershieldpoetic, and learn more about her work at www.watershieldpoetic.com.