This year as I shed my leaves,

I celebrate.

I exfoliate one by one

In a conscious letting go.

I smile in a happy ending

To styles that fear had draped me in,

And in an autumn awakening,

Will contemplate my bareness.

When I see what kind of tree I am,

I will rejoice.

I will mediate on that with gladness

And rest,

Trust the winter and the seasons

To bring me back around in peace

To become myself.

I will let my nature dress me,

Nothing more and nothing less,

And when the spring brings color back to me,

My buds and leaves will speak and sing

Of festival.

-jenn