Flight of the Leaf

(a poem from my retreat)

Like the leaf securely attached
To the branch of the tree as so many other leaves are,
May I hang on to you
And sway with you, dance with you.

Like the leaf that gets blown by the wind
Away from its tree,
Swirling, spiraling, thrashing ---
Wildly, gently, slowly, swiftly
Hitting branches, leaves, trunks
Tearing and bruising itself in flight,
May I journey with you as the leaf
That blows with the wind
Like the leaf that falls to the ground
When the wind blows no longer
Left on the ground to be trampled upon,
Dry up, decay
Or if chance be,
Get blown by another strong gust of wind
All over again

May I know rest and flight,
May I be at peace with endings
And new beginnings
In the meantime,
Let me just enjoy the flight
Let me always enjoy the flight
Wherever it may lead
Trusting in the wind