Turning

 Does the leaf mind?

She once wore the glow

of a youthful spring flush.

Turning to summer,

Her life was awash.

Now leaning to fall,

And new colors add.

Not colors she chose.

for good and for bad.

Does the leaf grieve?

Would it help if she did?

These colors of fall

Are no longer hid.

Yes.

She grieves just a bit,

But you get what you get!

Breathe!

You'll wear it with grace,

A touch less of pride.

For you now begin

That inevitable ride.

And never forget

As you loosen your grip,

That new buds and seeds

Prepare the same trip.

Remember dear leaf,

To treasure the limb.

And the trunk and the root.

And the soft soil beneath.

The very last treasure

That final bequeath.