Red Leaf (Survival)

Winter’s harsh breath steals across the land so vast

In chilling whispers beckoning beneath an icy blast

Frost harkens back life and death in one fell swoop

A new season strikes to conquer in a winning coup.

A red burst beyond upon a tree branch signals a call

As it breaks free of frost, holding fast to a fading fall

Its color looms stark against the white and snowy dew

Seeking instinctive survival in the icy, wintry view.

Frost covers nature's allure to blend the two seasons -

Edge of fall’s demise meets winter’s birth, finding reason

To propel change found in dewy frost and bitter cold,

A well-executed web spun within creation’s fickle mold.

Cynthia Calder, 11.18.24