The tiny bud begins to flare
His infant eyes first blink then stare

Bright green, petite and new
Soft skin with pinkish hue

In spring wind it shivers lightly
Wobble, bobble, he steps, not sprightly

Deepened color and growing size
Ever taller with clever eyes

Full and firm, now hunter green
Mature and thoughtful, strong and lean

Some shade it gives throughout its life
Deep care and love shown to his wife

Trunk and root by it are fed
He tucks his children into bed

Much storm and wind it safely weathered
Family, to him, securely tethered

Summer’s end means fall is here
Girl speaks “I do,” he sheds a tear

Around the edge, see yellow there
Gives wise advice, gets silver hair

Orange it turns, by all admired
His mind is strong, but body tired

Splash of red shines for a while
Deep loving eyes and tender smile

The sturdy points begin to curl
With age the aches and pains unfurl

So now the Leaf begins to brown
The Man is surely slowing down

It falls in splendor for all to see
His life remembered, a great legacy