Autumn's End

I saw an ancient remnant
Of a once effulgent spring
Tumbling in the winter wind.

A sapless leaf, blown about,
With no discernable direction.
How long had it labored in the wind?

What of the tree that gave it life?
The branch that brought it nourishment?
How they must have mourned its departure.

Was it pride that brought it here?
As its color turned from green to gold,
Did it forsake its loving branch?

Did it listen to the whisperings
Of the heartless winter wind,
And leave the tree to become free?

I watched the brittle leaf blow
Wondering how it will be for me
When my Autumn nears its end.

Will I hold steadfast to the branch
That lifts me toward the light,
Or will I falter in the whispering winter wind?