Autumn's leaves

life and time
forgotten past

memories
you thought
would last

diminished and dusty
in the back of a shed,
covered and rusty
like last year's rake

what's at stake?

when the rake
is reinstated
into your yard
and the memories
fall like leaves
everywhere
you lean into them
and are surrounded
by color
and comfort
and friends that you miss

last year's dinner dates
and one last kiss
a twirl of your arms
in the crisp air
to bring forth
a perfected prayer
for the pictures of your
past
to live long enough
to last
to the next
beautiful moment

it arises
like the sun
in the sky
like a
birthday
surprise
and the days
are alive