Polarized

The weather has been a bit harsh the last season and so the
Usual beautiful trees are dropping their leaves all at once,
Shrugging off the changes with a distinct air of self preservation.
I have pity for the trees; the people I know with a similar approach never
Know when to stop.
I currently err towards self sacrifice; my religious upbringing left me with
Such an appreciation for the martyr.
At the back of my mind lies the need to be adored.
Recognized.

I went walking the other evening, casually, hands
Tucked into my jacket pockets
While I shuffled through the crackling green/brown leaves.
A lesson lies there, on the sidewalk, but I can only hear the whisper of meaning
Over the sound of my passage.