REFLECTED IN THE LEAVES

AFTER A TRYING DAY AT WORK 
AND INCHING MY WAY
THROUGH RECESS TRAFFIC,
I MANAGED TO FALL INTO THE ARMS 
OF MY LOCAL PARK.

AS I SAT IN MY CAR, EXHALED!
ALLOWING MY BODY
TO FREE ITSELF OF THE DAYS TENSIONS,
MY EYES CAPTURED 
A SIMPLE TALE OF LIFE.

THE VARIEGATED AUTUMN LEAVES 
GENTLY SWAYING ON THE TREES 
CARESSED MY MIND WITH A WHISPER..
NOTHING IN LIFE REMAINS THE SAME.

THE MIRACLE OF A SEED,
THE BIRTH OF A SAPLING, 
THE BATTLE OF THE ELEMENTS, 
THE STONED FACE OF STRENGTH,
THEN THE CHANGING OF SEASONS.

THE GREEN LEAVES OF YOUTH 
GAVE WAY TO GREY HAIR 
AND WRINKLED SKIN, 
THE STRONG GRIP ON LIFE
LOOSES ITS GRASP.

THEN WE FALL FROM OUR HIGH PLACE, 
AND RETURN TO THE DUST.

WILFORD BARKER.