Undressing to dress

It’s raining outside

as limbs now almost naked,

shield far less below.

Then they disappear

into the dungeon’s dark mouth,

thus draping the earth.

The drops fall softly

while slanted rays of light fade,

now undressing them.

They color the ground

before it claims their cover,

stripping it away.

Until they break down

between their skeletal frames

next to roots they sipped.

They feed the dark soil

that sprouts green after they’re gone

and leave it richer.

Decay strips their veins

of every threadbare stitch

that used to clothe them.

I feel so naughty.

as I watch them all disrobe

while Autumn bares all.