Nature Teacher: Illusory Wrinkles

The autumn dogwood

teaches

wrinkles are completely natural

in the maturation of life.

Leaves soft and supple in springtime

now wither and crease with age

each wrinkle a scepter of reverence and wisdom.

If leaves do not show age

are they virtual brush strokes?

Look deeply

the obscured beauty is still there.

Berries shine so brightly

in autumn.