When the Redbud Says Goodbye

 

By Andy Bozeman ©2015

Along a stony path I walked,

Within a sunrise wood,

A chilly morn said “Winter’s born”

And, “Summer’s gone for good.”

Lamenting Autumn’s lifted grasp,

For green I scanned the wood,

Yet, failing this, within the mist,

A lonely Redbud stood.

~~

Alone, among the thorny briers,

He raised his form up high,

No sign of frown, though leaves were brown,

And blown by Winter’s sigh.

His countenance was joyful,

Though his leaves were plainly frail,

Yet, I could see, that come what may,

His courage would not fail.

~~

“I will miss you most of all,”

I thought to him with silent call,

And in that moment, spirit free,

I could sense him answer me,

“Should Winter’s storms break other’s forms,

Stripping every flower,

I will simply bow and bend

Without intent to cower.”

~~

My heart was lifted, purged of fear,

For if he, fearless, could stand here,

So calm and strong to turn his face,

Into the gale that shows no grace,

Then surely I can do the same,

Perhaps slowed down, but never lame,

And ne’er again need know the ‘why,’

Nor be compelled to fear ‘goodbye.’

~~

So, like the Redbud I will be,

Bowed for a time, yet ever free,

To stand again, to raise my head,

To be like he who knows no dread,

For he stands straight against his fate,

His parting promise this,

A single stem, a loud sung hymn,

That “Goodbye” never Is.

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