The Life of a Leaf

I don’t know why I stopped to stare
freezing dusk in November
wide white birch nearly bare
a lone leaf above untethered
 
The air lilted it to the ground
It landed where I would step
I lost my will for homeward bound
And stayed to pay final respects
 
One of thousands unsung unseen
In May or so it did begin with this
Nature allowed it to serve the Queen
Let us now praise photosynthesis
 
From roots and soil water diverted
The leaf accepts the light of sun
Energy comes from carbon converted
Autumn comes, its work is done
 
Green to red, yellow bold
Sky bright in dying days
Colors are bled gone is gold
One by one they fly away
 
Today a breeze, a gentle tug
To its new purpose it will adjust
Perhaps a blanket for a bug
and tomorrow gone to dust
 
To home I retreat, empty above
The wind a somber choir
I thank the leaf for all I love
And throw a log onto the fire

 

Thanks to Dan Gillman

Throughout November I am writing a poem a day in an effort to raise money for The Center for New Americans, an organization that is located in Western Massachusetts and does great work in acclimating our new citizens to their new homes.

You may help by going here.

If you appreciate my efforts and my work please share.

Also, most of you know I am moving to Oregon at the end of the year. Before I leave I will bedoing two shows.  Both will be in Amherst at the NACUL Center at 7:00 on November 30 and December 7. Proceeds will benefit The Center for New Americans.

I will be joined by these fine musicians: Joe Ricker, Andrew Atkin, Dave Haughey, Billy Klock and Dan Thomas.