CLINGING ON

Clinging on
despite the slow seep of poison
in the tissues
the Technicolor toxic flush

Clinging on
beyond the thickening silt
in the pores
the cloying in the veins

The debt's repaid
for the slow surge of sap
to swell and burst the bud,
unfold entire from rib to very edge.
Ah, yes, repaid:
for the year's full bounty stirs, re-forms,
returns the self-same path
to feed, to ventilate, to plump and grow.

Clinging on
while cell by cell
the palisades are built

Clinging on
when gusty stresses
strain the creaking joint

Clinging on
for autumn leaves never fall:
they're pushed.

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Cover picture:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/7911705@N07/2210380227/