I stumble in
my leaf pile landing
while you're standing
makes a subtle snort
at the way I contort
my childish last resort
to bring a laugh
and a smile
to your style

I dig the snowbound
drifters dream
along the frozen
winter stream
of your better
sensibility
sneering at my
adolescent
agility

I plant a forest
for your feet
among the peat
beside your snide
and pent up pride
as my youthful
happenings
gobble up
the spring
I see

In the summer
you know I was free
to do what it takes
But no matter how
I try now
This old mirror
breaks

(November 12th, 2017)