The avenue, once shaded, now a lane of fiery hues and patch-worked on the ground below, leaves of golden, wine, maroon. Singled-out, a single leaf from noble heights descended, causes one to ponder what its planner had intended. Could it be this fading leaf has for us a secret message? A story of a simple life - but in its silence, a great lesson? Once shy and springing from a twig this leafling was so destined, to be a grander hand that shaded, sheltered, blessed, protected. Lilting in the summer breeze she mirrored midday sky, and opened wide her emerald arms to birds nestling at twilight. Then the Autumn air reminded her that Wintertime is nigh, so she made for her departure, not with sorrow nor a sigh. No, her numbered days were spent in splendor as she cloaked herself in red, and danced her regal aerial waltz as she made her slow descent. Softly settled on the earth a last display of color now with dignity she fades and merges with her maker.
