By Katherine D., TIWP Student

“Yes, of course it hurts!”
I laugh
When you pinch me in that playful way
The autumn breeze tickles my ears
And my hands
Although always cold
Are warm this time in yours
The fall leaves crunch under our feet
As we take another step
Leaving the world behind
They say October is a special month
A dangerous month
For either you find someone unexpectedly
Or you lose someone precious
I’m grateful to have walked the path of the former
However
A little part of me dies inside
Every time I think about the unavoidable end
How once the seasons change
And a frosted blanket crushes the maple leaves
Of red orange and yellow
Burying fiery passion
And love
You will be gone
I will be left empty
My hands will be cold
Once more
“Yes, of course it hurts.”