Dappled light Fall of leaf Mighty trunks rising to flame of color In the afternoon autumn sun. Rush of wind, gentle, soft Movement of wave, rippling by. Exquisite leaf, random in its fallen perfection Colors vibrant yet fading Undisturbed by my sight Even as fulfilled in it Ready to return to its rest in the good earth Nearly as old as time. Tall heron, hiding by the bank Patiently waiting, ever attentive Fully at home in its world The only one it knows. Jogger dashing by Oblivious except to bud in ear. Unseen birds chattering among fluttering leaves Acorns resting uneasily by the path Searching squirrel nearby Fleeting web catching ray of sun Fresh green sprigs on the beaver lodge Fallen tree nearby Clean bites on trunk Scattered chips of wood Cormorant watching from its perch. How many have trodden such a path Always old but ever new Seeing, perhaps unseeing What is there. Almost unlimited richness To receive If one is awake. Beauty wasted and beauty fulfilled Free for those who see.
Paul S. Julienne
October 31, 2018
