“The colors weren’t very good this year,”
Some said. Perhaps they’re right. Perhaps the maple’s
Red was not as bold, the aspen’s yellow
Not as clear, the birch’s orange not as loud

As they remember. But --- so what? Am I
To turn away from Nature’s show because
Some foolish critics pan it? Who are they,
Anyway, those who pretend to know

The Writer’s purpose, and the Actors’ roles?
I saw the play myself, and I enjoyed
The gorgeous costumes and impressive props,
The sparkling dialogue, the brilliant wit ---

And I was moved to tears, and could not speak,
So painful was the suffering of the leaves.

Copyright (2006) by Arnold Cantor.
All rights reserved.

[Written November 2, 1987.]