Sycamore by Fredric Hildebrand

Autumn in the live oak forest. A single 

sycamore holds forth its dying flame. 

Wild brimstone-yellow leaves as big

as handprints. The old tree springing 

up among evergreens as though

it took no lesson from its neighbors,  

eager and twice as joyful.

---

Fredric Hildebrand is a retired physician living in northern Wisconsin. He is the author of three poetry chapbooks: "Northern Portrait" (Kelsay Books, 2020), "A Glint of Light" (Finishing Line Press, 2020), and "Under the Dust of Stars" (Kelsay Books, 2023). When not writing or reading, he plays acoustic folk guitar and explores the Northwoods with his wife and Labrador retriever.