September 21, 2019

LEAVES

Bright tulips wilt and start to fade
as flocks embark on their parade

and trees undress and start to yawn
and suddenly the summer's gone.

The leaves that once danced overhead
fill up the barrow by the shed

and winter wind will start to blow
and coat the barren boughs with snow.

One day the geese will travel north,
the sun will bring back all its warmth,

returning flowers to the glen —
and leaves will dance above again!
And how can man die better
Than facing fearful odds,
For the ashes of his fathers,
And the temples of his gods?

- The Lays of Ancient Rome

✤ ✤ ✤ ✤ ✤

I hold it true, whate'er befall;
I feel it, when I sorrow most;
'Tis better to have loved and lost
Than never to have loved at all.

- Lord Alfred Tennyson, In Memoriam