The Leaf by Jane Ayers Sweat

 Photo by Joanne Olivieri

A lonely leaf fell from the tree

Blown by the wind of Fall

Twisting down the empty street

Casting a morning pall.

A lonely widow twisted by grief

Watches the leaf glide past

The cold wind blows deep in her soul

Why did the years go so fast?

A lonely soldier with twisted legs

Watches the leaf float by

In his wheelchair by the window

All he can do is cry.

A boy stands before an open door 

As a lonely leaf dances by

He smiles to himself & wonders

If, one day, he can fly.