Minor Letdown

the lone tree draws her close with vines of silence

the coarseness of the bark comes only to mind

when the grandiose foliage is left to unwind

sweltering words need not be spoken

for placid ties to be broken

a vigorous mind need not trauma to turn rough

for solitude in excess does damage enough

with winter’s wind passing,

the inevitable energy of the change has gone

fall’s lingering warmth is withdrawn

short frequent meetings are reduced to distant greetings

the best of burgeoning friendships become frail

for in the end, expectations give way to betrayal