Autumn Prayer Poem by Barry Middleton

my old raintree is late this year
I prayed to gods I do not know
to stave off all of earthly fear
that I might live to see the show

now it is full in golden bloom
again my yearly prayer is granted
for autumn seems to lift my gloom
in sacred ayres that are enchanted

I'm too far south for leaves to blush
or glow in flame with fall's bright hues
so raintrees signal of the hush
when winter plays deception's ruse

what seems like death will settle in
but past the season there is hope
as raintree seeds lie deep within
blessing me with strength to cope