Chestnut, white oak and poplar frame a southwestern sky,
their summer leaves mingle with ten knot westerly winds.
thus begins – a slow shaking of leaves, dancers waving.
imperceptibly leaves change color,
thirst, grow brittle.
and the wind – never enough to tear limb from trunk –
caresses each one; asking “how does this feel?”
leaves – “empty yourself while touching, listen.”
wind – “i see, getting closer i hear!”
winds increase, lifts leaves, with a whirl
and shake, snap, they are free.
move up, side to side, circles. thrust, tumble
a final repose absorbs leaves back to Earth
while the wind turns its back and heads east.
Lotofpoems 