I was resting at a stoplight
On a cool morning in October,
My car window half-way down.
A bird, unseen to me
Squawking and talking
Caught my attention.
I lifted my gaze upward
Toward the blue sky
And a thicket of overgrown trees and vines.
I wondered what she was saying.
Chasing an intruder
From her hidden domain, perhaps?
Just then a single leaf
Of no particular shape or distinct color
Let loose from a nearby tree.
I smiled and watched it dance
On barely a breeze
And come to rest on the asphalt road.
The light turned green.
I thought…how much do I miss
Driving around with the windows up?
Whatever were we thinking when we retired the horse and buggy. Kudos to the Amish for hanging on.
I’ll always remember being with my 101 year old grandmother in her bedroom, when she said to me “Louise, look…” and we watched a leaf falling from the sky. I always thought that was so Zen, peaceful, taking in the beauty of nature just before releasing from this life.