Autumnal love

Autumnal love
           that which never dies
which weathers the winds
           the harsh storms
the hail and snow
           but always comes through

How brittle
           these autumn leaves
you can hear them
           crackle under foot
the chlorophyll spent
           the epidermis
once green and supple
           turned to rust
now flaking and soon
           to be lost in the dust

But lovers
           though their skin ages
and their hair turns
           grey and brittle
have nothing to fear
           from time : the spirit
is immortal
           and the glow of passion
in their eyes
           and in their hearts
is as everlasting
           as love

John Lyons

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