WATCHING FALL
Fluttering fledgelings frantically feeding before they fly
Thousands of miles somewhere, they don’t know why,
Time is running out fast the older wiser ones say,
When the winter wind whines, you won’t want to stay.
They gather together as if they are counting each other,
A worrying time for every bird father and mother,
Even small birds can suddenly darken a blue sky,
As they set off southward long distances to fly.
This year the leaves remained long on many of the trees,
Now at last they fall gracefully in the cool blowing breeze,
Just watch for a little while see how they seem to float
As if guided by an unseen hand, a mother wanting to dote.
It appears to the eye that they are placed gently on the ground,
Joining the other fallen leaves where companionship is found
In death, beautiful the colours their many different shades to see,
Maybe they gaze upward to give sweet thanks to the mother tree.
Watching fall is not a waste of time, spend a moment or two
Enjoy the simple beauty of nature that is given freely to you,
Watching the fall leaves drift past, stop a moment and stare,
See if you can count all the many different colours that are there.
(Millicent) Ann Margetson November 7, 2002