I am but two seasons old
young
by earthly standards.

Watching
eagerly,
I await the chance
to be free
to dance
like my ruby-red companions in the wind.
Hear my desperation
my longing
For the autumn breeze to caress my edges
to liberate me
from this maple branch.

Now
I see October rising
from the ashes of a desperate September.
Now
I hear my pleas being answered
as a chilling wind finds me,
redefines me
as I abandon my old life forever.

Freefalling
a maple leaf in the wind
without a care
going nowhere.
No more longing
I know I belong in
this feathery breeze
which tickles
softer than a kitten's paw
and is even more fleet of foot.

See me.
I'm free
to fly further than your most distant dreams.
The others-
scarlet, gold, and brown-grey
all my brethren mix together
as leaves dance in the skies.