Page 26 - Contrast1968

Today a leaf was born - how nice.
From a small bud, burst its fragile shape
And it joined other leaves crowning the bare tree.
It wondered Why, What For, and How Come?

It held tight fearing the strength of the wind.
It grew and gained strength from the branch.
From the beginning it was like all the rest.
But soon the weather changed and the air grew cold.

The songs of birds were gone

The grass of green was fading

The warmth of Sun was setting
Each leaf grew old, and some distinct.
Some leaves rejoiced while others had to weep,
Yet each was hewed with a different color.

The weather grew harsh and the wind blew hard.
Some hung on fearing the strength of the wind,
While others took flight and cast their fate.

Some fell and were trodden

Some huddled and were protected

Some were gathered and became mulch

When some took chances among the vain
They found a new world beyond their tree.

While others grew frightened some became free.

But some hung on fearing the strength of the wind.

The sky was growing dark

The flowers met death by frost

The moon glowed clear but cold

The struggle encompassed all the leaves.

Some discovered life while others found death.

Some hung-up on thorns

Some fell on water and sank

Some were covered by snow

Yet others went on, reaching out.
Discovering a new life in the struggle,
Strengthened by something within.
Each celebrating the power, the joy, and the beauty
Of the life that was encountered and found.
While others hung on fearing the strength of the wind.

R. McCanna