“For Johnny”

When silver leaves sigh, trembling to the ground
a brilliant gold is sprinkled everywhere.
Sure, then I hear your laughter mid the sound
of steps that shuffle up abandoned stair.

When scarlet leaves dance, hesitant to part

lay deep in dusty shadows, they intone

and whisper “I have been here where my heart
knows sad farewell to memories we’ve known”.

When days grow short with bitterness of soul,

among the frost and starry branches bare,