Leaves fall.
Each one starts,
a gentle cascade to the earth,
carried by the breeze.
It’s subtle at first,
the colour change marking temperature shifts,
setting fire to trees
that once sheltered us from the sun.
The wind blows,
a violent unrest
sending numerous leaves to the ground,
to be trampled underfoot.
Suddenly all we are left
is the rough framework
for a bitter season,
wondering where everyone is,
and whether spring
and it’s sense of freedom
are ever to return.
We bundle ourselves,
strengthen our resolve in the fading light,
and prepare to rebuild again,
when the season is right,
remembering that leaves fall
far more frequently
than civilizations.