the last leaf

 

                          Dogged, determined, he'd won his last bet,
                              smiled as the lesser leaves fell,
                           Now he's triumphant, the final survivor,
                                awaiting the victory bell.

                            But who is there now to applaud him, -
                               to share all the cold and the snow?
                            Too late now to moan in his anguish
                              the victor 's victory  is vanquished!


        (for Jan 8)