Eyes
Eyes
the leaves are turning the color of your eyes again
as they fall to the ground i take care not to step on them
break their fragile spines, crack their delicate skin
the leaves used to be alive yet the second they let go of their home
they're a ghost of what they once were. i don't remember
the sound of your voice but i remember
the feeling of your eyes burned into the back of my neck
watching me from afar with a mix of admiration and hate
the leaves create shadows of your presence behind me
and all i can do is walk forward and not look back
not miss a step
not trip because if i do
i'll fall and land into your arms after swearing i'd never return
the papery skin of the leaves welcoming me home
as the plumes of auburn and fireplace embers ask me why i ever left
there is comfort in familiarity and i see your face wherever i turn
the leaves make sure to remind me of you each time i try to step outside
each time i try to forget
each time i try to move on
yet all i can do now is pray for
the leaves to die and for winter to come because
the leaves are turning the color of your eyes again
but i'll relish in the beauty of your memory one last time
this year.
The Voice
November 2024
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