Another mountain autumn. Cloud-curls shed confetti,

And silver frost is wrapping every tree in ribbons. Another year

Is layered on my face. I am a tree, 

Adding rings each season, and I fight

To keep my skin from growing hard, to keep the green

Still dripping in my heart. But all around

My mountains raise their changeless faces. 

Aspens glow like birthday candles, waiting for the wind

To puff them out in winter’s wish—but until then

They’ll race that flame beyond each stony peak. Those same sparks glow

Within my still-green soul, to burn more bold

With each unspooling year. So here I stand, 

Within my peaks in autumn’s slant. I will be here

Until the green glows out,

Until the seasons change,

Until those sparks shatter into the sky.