A leaf falls - OpenTank O (O) ((O))

A leaf falls from the tree
Screaming as it tumbles.
If I was that leaf,
I wouldn’t be so humble
To tell the world
Of my departure
In silent tones
Like the master archer:
Counting heartbeats,
Sitting still,
Hoping for a painless kill.
I’d rather state
In a rigid voice
That, “I’m to leave.
Let’s make some noise!”
Having told
My closest friends
To party until the bitter end,
I’d close my eyes,
Recall my sins,
And revel in the growing din,
That fate would have
And chance would sway,
Approving of life this dying day.

Stupid leaf.

rjw, Spring ‘88