Fallen Breath

Kati Fuchs

 

Fall is one of the most beautiful

seasons

for all sorts of good reasons

but

when you really stop to think-

 

there is a morbid link

between fall

and death’s imminent call.

 

The sickly cold of every breeze

Is what I’ve been told

Is fall’s final breath

as it becomes victim to a

cruel, concerning death.

 

Maybe that’s why

with this,

the unhinged world

is so hauntingly obsessed.

 

The trees pleading,

bleeding,

to desperately show

they’re never ready,

not meant,

to go,

to move past,

sunshine-filled moments

that were never to last.

Beauty stripped,

Fearing they’re ill-

equipped

for another wild, midwestern winter.

 

But

we make the most of what is left

pretending

there is no such thing as winter’s theft.

 

Embracing every slight and powerful breeze

Shifting our hearts and brains at ease,

Watching the leaves delicately flow

even when they’re reluctant to go,

green to gold to gone.

 

To the ground, they messily pile.

Providing us another reason to smile:

the satisfying crunch,

another unintentional punch,

to our beloved season

as the leaves

barely hang on,

but here’s a conclusion

I’ve subsequently drawn:

 

A continual breeze undulating

around

the release of the final leaf,

awaiting,

feeling

resistance decrease-

the point in which

we switch

from feeling this fallen breath

as a kiss of death.

 

It’s ok to let go-

especially when you know

none of it were to last,

just take a step past

and relax.

 

Feel your tension flee

After that you’ll see

this season return

After seasons of growth

but for now,

Be thankful

for each gentle breath.