ACT 1 Scene 4

by Christine Holden
(UK)

The maple moults
Today a riot of ruby red
Tomorrow its display will be dead.
Its grand finale, the October wind
Does not allow an encore.
The laburnum plays a lesser role
Leaning and lolling as it loses its leaves.
No technicolour dream coat
To thrill the crowd.
The stage is carpeted
The actors laid bare
The audience stand and stare
Waiting for the curtain to rise
And shoots to appear before their eyes.
The actors rest
Ready to tread the boards
A well worn scene
New life, new hope amidst the green.