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| Photo credit: Cindy Arie |
Autumn leaves
Torn from branches
Carried on the wind
Bits of color
Flying unpredictably
Chased by children
Clear blue sky
Carefree afternoons
Bright September days
This my memory
As leaves fall placidly
While I stare quietly Through the nursing home window
At the overcast morning
The last day of your life
This final day spent with you
I hope to die in autumn
While the leaves are turning
Sit me by the window
To stare out at the red and orange landscape
Sit with me then
When speech has failed
When past and present are indistinguishable
Sit with me and recall our memories
Or sit with me in silence
Or read aloud “The Old Man and the Sea”
As we watch the leaves fall
As we acquiesce to time
As we honor innocence in the fading light
Of ephemeral color
Know then my love and gratitude
Then when words have gone
When leaves fall silently
And your kindness rests gently
On my tired soul
