Paul Hartal

Stands still the foliage
In full colors of October
Upon the slopes of Mount Royal
And white seagulls hover
Above the waves
In the port.

The purple foam of urban magic
Penetrates everything and overgrows
This city compressed between hill and river
While the quiet sorrow flows
On the streets
Of downtown.

Stands still the foliage
In full colors of October
Revealing my own life cycle
My receding years, hidden order
Fading chlorophyll
In maple leaves
Of autumn.