Transmutation through desperate ingestion of Anthocyanin

(Sepia sunlight oozes

through the smoke,

choked forest.

Silent in consumed anguish.)

You glow crimson at the last

(What once was green and lush,)

in a breaking of the haze.

So brief;

that final gasp of glory for

summer is done,

(eaten up with frost and fire.)

And yet you shine,

in passions of crimson and sunset,

audacious, unabashed.

(Adamant despite it all;)

I want to consume you

leaf by star-leaf

plucked with lovers care,

(imbue me with your passion!)

yet ravaged all the same

as the licking fingers of the blaze

(For I am empty,

uncomprehending your joy,

as the grey-wash snowfall

whispering in to quench the inferno.)

note: Anthocyanin is the chemical that causes leaves to change color. I struggle with titles constantly. If anyone has recommendations I would be thrilled to hear them.