Stark, naked, empty trees
devoid of life, of birds and leaves
a portrait painted perfectly 
by nature's bitter hand itself 

He left me just at summer's end 
before the changing leaves began
a bright display of color in 
a shade of pain I know too well

And in that mess I tried to hold
like dying leaves against the cold
onto the things of him I'd told 
myself would change eventually 

But one by one my dreams fell, dead 
into dark corners of my head 
where eager feet of hopeless tread 
upon them all too suddenly 

And just like that, on autumn's heels  
winter blew in and made me feel 
alone, and left my spirit chilled
afraid to fight against the cold  

Until sweet something in the air 
singing softly through branches bare
whispering, promising to care 
a love gentle, promising, bold 

Never could I have been ready 
like snow you're falling; quiet, heavy 
onto my heart, the beat grows steady
brilliant, fresh and settling 

I've felt the deepest hurt this year
you're all that makes it disappear
and hopeful, beautiful, sincere 
you'll carry my soul into spring.