The leaves from one tree

have all come down

and cover the yard like litter

the tree next to it

still has its leaves and

is slow to give them up

it wants to hang on to

what it gave life to

it releases them

but so slowly

leaves kept close

are the reflection of the tree

like children leaving home

once gone it is never the same

what's left is cold and barren

the joy of life falls to the ground

such sorrow in

the leaving.