In youth, I found a joyful leap of heart

In every sunny, rainy, snowy day.

But now, life is dry like cracked, sun-burnt clay.

From day until night, from finish to start

I exist, ignoring thoughts turning dark.

Blind, I wander, as leaves around me play

Like marathon runners, dashing away,

Hurrying forward along the sidewalk.

Leaves!  Oh, do you recall the time when we

Collected them?  They were scattered across

Your tiny yard from the neighbor’s oak tree,

And we saved them from the first morning frost

To preserve them in books–sweet memories

Rescued from a tree (and a time) now lost.

Copyright Sarah Davidson 2020