Aspen Leaf

As I walked the road of life,

                eyes downcast,

I found myself upon an aspen leaf,

frozen in the ice.

 

Once green, now black as tar

a black pit, seething and gaping

with promise? or

a spade digging for Dante?

 

I carefully stepped over it, leaving

it to its own travels.

But I could not resist stepping

                upon its icy palace, a fool’s

plan at a prison break.

Alas, the step failed and the bars

held. Held in place.

 

you, ancient aspen leaf, you holder of promises,

you traveler of winds, you prodigal son never

to return. Never still in life, how

trapt in death, in life.

 

No rings, no return banquet, even as your prison

opens to the light of day.

Silent, instead, you, experienced and unforgiven,

flow through the cracks and slip into

your old vice soundlessly. 

This poem is about: 
Me
Poetry Terms Demonstrated: 

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