Leaf
by Henry B Stevens
5/26/2004

Floating gently, turning slightly
stem end pointing upstream
leaf end pointed to the sea
the willow leaf sailed on.

Light brown yellow color
my instant delight to see
oh how I loved that leaf
oh how it captured me.

as it approached attachment
grew, blew into a storm
within my heart
I was marked

the leaf became
my dear desire
floating closer
I almost touched it

but no, it went on by
farther still farther away
it shouldn't keep going
it was my leaf

sadness became me
my leaf went out of view
alone, no leaf, lost
I rooted unmoving

recounting what had happened
reseeing my leaf arrive and leave
grief gripped my unprepared mind
many are the leavings in life.