Petals in various stages of decay
From spring bloom to fall's despair
Different seasons of love and growing
Falling petals litter the ground

In the springtime of our love
We sing and dance for each other
And phone and write and talk
As if this was the last day to say I love you

Soon our love will have its summer
Heated days, sunshine, fun and warmth
Trees no longer in bloom but green and strong
The days long and echoes
Of spring stilled as love matures

The autumn air blows away the fruits
Of love, leaving only memories,
Falling petals and leaves that cover the ground
Signs of love fade in the twilight
Ushering in the winter of our love

But fresh bloom and autumn colors
Are mixed in the falling petals on your card
Signs that when the harsh cold winter winds blow
And the trees are empty of all symbols of love
Our love will be new as spring
Just like the falling petals on your card
The new mingling with the old and dying
Together we'll make our love live
Through the seasons of our love
The bloom of spring, the maturity of summer
The ageing of fall, the death of winter
But in the spring, new life shall come again
To renew the fallen petals that litter our lives

This poem was written in September 1997. It was inspired by a Thinking of You card that found its way into my mailbox.