When the Trees Let Go by Junwoo Park (13, Philippines)

The Bukhansan trees 
let go of their autumn leaves, setting 
them free from the frolic of the wind. 
They spiral across the slope, colors swirling
as they fluttered in the wind, finding their way 
through the wild grass. I try to catch one ​

---

in my hand, but they slip through my fingers 
and onto the opening. Beneath, endless roots 
of the oak trees buried themselves within 
the bog. The mountain was dressed in bright 
blended hues of red and orange, while their peaks 
were crowned with white. The soft serenade 
of the autumn echoed in my ears.
The mountain cherishes nature, simply 
because it exists.

​