Falling

A falling leaf, I grew from the same tree
as many other leaves. They fall, too.
I spent the summer collecting light
and dancing in the wind. Now, my stem
weakens, my skin flushes, waiting
for the final gust. When it comes,
my descent seems like many years,
floating on a sea of cool air.
I know it will be a soft landing. 

(Photo by Gina Kelly)