Passing

the cedar by our house
came down in the winds today
no warning
no signs of waning health
she just let go and slid away
from the trunk that stayed
stricken and bare by her side
all around trees bobbed and weaved
shrieking in windy howls at her passing
tossing their arms in a mourner's dance
i could hear her last mutters and mumbles
as she settled herself to the earth
preparing to pass into eternity
i wish i could leave her there