Another Year

the wind is howling

and the rain splatters

like the tears

of some heavenly chorus

forced mute

by the dark and the cold

trees turn colors

and burst 

earth-tone fireworks

embers falling

into a pile at their knees

leaving them 

naked 

and ashamed

for not thinking things through

the intersection 

at the end of the drive

thumbs its nose at the 

futile attempts

of man

and becomes a lake

birds and old people 

fly south

memories of you 

grow mellow and smooth

like bourbon in a cask

another year takes the angel's cut

and leaves only the 

best parts

-kj

11/7/21