A LEAF FALLS

A leaf falls from a tree in the night
letting go from an obscure height
to gain my brief attention by its flight,
hanging wistful on wind so slight.
 
Should the leaf but linger there
somewhere midst ground and air,
I would board that vessel fair
to sail for ports of visions rare.
 
The leaf kisses ground in unseemly haste
hiding in the grassy floor its face--
In all the world there is no sweeter place
that turns leaf to earth without a trace.
 
July 16, 1973

---