Oak

Summer’s pulsing green has been

surrendered, but look – here’s one

last magnificent gesture,

a joyful blaze of yellow

that bolsters the dwindling light, 

like someone (who knows full well 

that it’s over) performing

a final act of love – more 

generous, more selfless, than 

any that came before – then

drawing back towards winter,

arms still outstretched, but empty.

Alan Buckley