Autumn Blaze Red Maple
by Jim Thielman

“Red offers protection from insects
that prefer green leaves,” say arborists,
or, “Red color come early
is a response to stress.”

No one mentions my firm belief
that red maples put on make-up
to outdo the columnar ginkgo,
that yellow-leaved light bulb
that shines autumn days with
golden glory but can’t outdo red
that shouts, “Stop! Look at me!”



 

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