Daringly stepped out to see things clear. Gone before he could see the face. Left was urge to seek. Drops of autumn fell on trembling leaves, red from summer's departure, weak from lack of light.

The Leaves were torn and so was he, as he tried to follow her trace. A winterly wind embraced his throat and tried its best to strangle. What kept him going was what had left him. It was what he couldn't keep.

Kept hunting ancient traces, following flickering lights. This ghost was sculpted by his desire to say goodbye.

A scarlet dress in the wind. Shadows on stumps of once mighty trees spread rumors of her presence. Looked into her eyes and took her hand.

This imagined warm touch was his relief. Kneeling at her feet, ready for his sleep. Had no longer wish to arise. Put her arm around him, no more cries. Slept there until the fierce cold awoke to erase all traces of life.