A Leaf

Today I thought I heard
raindrops, an almost forgotten
sound of late so I reached out

with open palm to capture one
or perhaps even two because I
have missed the rain so... but instead

upon my palm I found a leaf, not golden
nor brilliant scarlet... it was brown,
dull, curled and withering...hardly

beautiful I would suppose
but I have never captured one
before, have never really seen

their fall from grace, have only heard
their sweet escape, nor have I ever
felt the innocent joy of one softly

drifting into my grasp, and as I
held it, I knew it must have been
left behind by a loved one who visits

with the changing winds of seasons
and the sigh of a memory, one
who knew the smile it would bring,

and the warmth of heart... today
I caught a falling leaf... not golden nor brilliant
scarlet but beautiful nonetheless

because it was a gift... and it was special!