many eyes

but no eyes

fresh leaves bronze

above grey branches

living and dying at once

buried in wet dirt

exposed to the dry air

moving in the breeze

but not able to move on your own

born from fire as we all are

full of water

full of sun

sprouting up into the sky

and as you ready yourself

for one of your many little deaths

we watch the gold of it

park our cars on the road

and stand in awe

at your glorious descent

into the soon coming snows

to emerge again green

Alexander Shalom Joseph is an award-winning poet, writer and playwright from Gilpin County, and is the author of seven published books. You can find his work and more information about him at alexandershalomjoseph.com.