Witness Duty

Already the upper reaches

of nearby maples yield

to yellow and crimson, 

three weeks earlier

than last year. Eager

they seem to cycle

toward their bare apparent deaths,

for six months respite 

from witness duty.

Far below these majestic maples’ 

skyward reaching arms, 

as if appealing to God,

rushing souls operate in crazed circles

like minuscule half-broken toys.