Corner Office

Photo by Choleric Serpent

My panoramic view looks out into 
city hall and its garden. 

From here, I watch the metamorphosis of the trees
from glorious teenagers bedecked in green
to the nude elders of fall. 

From here, I watch squirrels run across the lawn
and I identify with their struggle for life
as if it was my own. 

From here, I watch how the wind
thrashes the stars and stripes
without pity or regard. 

It is late October and the summer's memories
shrink and spin in the icy wind. 

Thick, gray curtains
shut the window to heaven. 

Loose leaves shoot off
like forgotten photographs. 

I step away from the window to look inward.
Helpless before time,
my body chills.