Autumn Vignette

Two leaves entwined dance along a cobblestone path

caring not what stones their feet touch

or on what road they travel for

they are lost in the moment

in the fluid moment

that bridges that gaps of reality

that binds them here in bliss

even if for so brief a moment as this

The wind follows up at their heels

in silent syncopation keeping the beat

as more leaves join the parade

rousing others to join in chorus

in the rhythmic chorus

that coaxes them from their trees

that bids them gaily where to fall

every leaf just happy it's there at all

The clouds have funneled and heavens shake

the last storm to be seen for days

The leaves excited animate with life

as they know not what's the reason

the reason of the season

that steps into their hearts

that sends them along the street

not to shelter but to a melody

The tempo slows down to a crawl

the leaves they now begin to waltz

to the conductor's will they follow the lead

for its in their motion that they find rest

in the ceaseless rest

that calms their spirits' journey

that reminds them they were once alive

One and two and three, four, five...

Where's the maestro that directs the flow?

To where do all fallen leaves go?

It's a question not for leaves to know

to keep the spice of uncertainty

the story of uncertainty

that rejoices over requited love

that depicts the deepest sorrow

leaving the audience asking "Why?"

But is not a cloud a member of the sky?

though they themselves will fade, the sky remains

so move when moved, be still when stilled

press on through the unseen way

The divergent way

that only works to its good

that only works to its end

All leaves must move, none can stay

For every leaf has no hands

in which to hold onto this world

for they don't need them to dance

just their feet, just the music

the immaculate music

that guides their steps

that grounds them firmly

Freed from hands they soar by another's!

So when they let go of all they know

and all they have come to expect

they may just see through the tunnel

to the light that has not reached them yet

The glorious light

that sparkles off their eyes of Winter

that shines through the darkest tomb

that leaps off the tops of trees in rejoicing Spring