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.