Is it nature or the “L” word?

Is it a look or embrace,
Or pale imitation of procreation?
The boxelder bug does it – or do they?
And what about the brilliant red fingers of a Chinese maple?
Sight and sound, look without frown while your elders sneer.
A simple pop, an explosion like wind
Paints the water with impressionist zeal.
Winter tears through the maple’s affection,
Leaving swollen nubs that rattle in the wind.
A numbness ensues
And you find a life without
Depressing