Leaves

I’m falling on to the damp earth

Parted from your branches

One by one.

It was one by one

That I became a part of you

And now you shed me unsympathetically.

It’s in your nature

I know.

But I’m lifeless,

Without your tender bows,

Holding on to me dearly.

And as I fall,

One by one,

You watch me grow paler,

And more brittle.

But you stand strong.

And empty.

And though I made you beautiful,

And gave you the hues of the sun.

You shed me still.

I do not know if I shall be born again

Or another shall take my place.

Only Spring will tell.