the graces

time and once upon ago
Euphrosyne’s amber tresses flowed
on wisps of autumn’s frosted breath

dear Aglaia, the tall and slim
in elegance, slow danced with wind
cloud-kissed, her raiment golden flecked

and Thalia, sweet Thalia blushed bright
her supple shallow roots held tight
as fledglings flitted from their summer nests

yes time and once upon ago
from seed to sprout these beauties showed
resilience when the tempests raged
they met each season shift with grace
flowered, fruited, shed their seed
the most magnificent of trees
and lovely still, though worn with age
if they could speak what might they say?

embrace each season of this life
dwell on the good, let go the strife
time steals away before you know
so learn to bend when fierce winds blow
let your roots spread deep and wide
reach to heaven’s North Star guide
then soft surrender to the loam
leave not a trace, but grace, come home

~kat