Leaving 2009

It’s an oak, I think, outside my door

It, too, has had enough of this year

In two days, two months late,

Set itself aflame

A phoenix.

Impetuous

Prone to extremes

Withering transitions intolerable

It’s the only one left on the lane

With any green

With any leaves.

There’s no stopping it now

Two more days

Crimson, golden scales

Will launch

Drift

Land like fireworks.

In two more days

For two more months

Standing naked

Shameless

Greater in Spirit and Truth.