leaves, not falling

steadfast love,
oh what a wonder.
taste and see,
this fully formed wonder.

new roots tap an old river,
to feed tomorrow’s leaves,
and supply eternity’s fruit.

what i call withering,
you call coloring.
gaze again, this sight,
not a turn of a branch,
a pivot to the light.
standing still, never to run,
not a leaf’s unraveling,
an opening to the sun.

sun and rain accomplishing
according to mission sent.
leaves aren’t found withered,
yet the heart does faint.
this tender intricate process,
layers named steadfast, ring by ring,
all to carry the apple of your eye,
the way only this tree can uniquely bring.

then strength and victory
comes under branches weary.
picks one ripened bit,
he chooses now to carry.
in tender callused hand,
strolls through time and terrain,
to peel away and reveal,
only the sweetness to remain.

steadfast love,
oh what a wonder.
taste and see,
this fully formed wonder.