Mythology

Before science tells me why it really is,
I feel the need to create a myth
to explain the red branches of the tree
outside my bedroom window
on this, a clear blue day---
not a burning bush, but a burning tree.

My husband has cracked the window
to refresh the home
and my mood.

And the wind carries the crisp smell
of a Canadian lake
and the mulched leaves
that were once on the red branches
of the tree.

I believe that this Canadian air once
stole the leafy jewels of color
from the hair of the now bare tree.

On beautiful days,
she feels so angry,
she just turns red.