Call yourself alive? 

As the year shrinks away 

Watch the trees unfurl their tiny flags 

And shoot light off

To make themselves feel comfortable. 

That's a sight that will open your pores,

But if you want your shoulder blades 

To ache for wings

Monitor the leaves 

As they try to decide 

Whether or not they're still alive 

And if so - what for? 

As they lose their grip on even that 

And catch a breeze red-handed 

As they fall. 

That's when you'll know what gravity 

Is all about, 

Feel it like a stone in your shoe 

Anchoring your heel to the ground.

After they land  

Tidy up your garden with a rake 

Because they can't do it themselves. 

Makes you feel needed and real 

Except on autumn afternoons 

When the wind moans lonely 

Through the naked tees

Like an untuned radio 

Or mornings when waking up 

In the same old skin just isn't enough. 

Time is the cheater here; 

Holds on to old injuries year after year 

But don't worry. On days 

When life is a trick you can't solve 

Because the hours are too close together 

Or maybe too far apart 

Remember the leaves, 

Forget the pain 

And grab a tambourine.

2013