Leaves like Lovers

Stillness
transformed by
an unseen power
into movement,
orange yellow flashing blaze of glory,
shimmering with heartbeats
still firmly attached
to their source,
while all around
others are lifted,
released,
these brothers, sisters,
less resilient,
less anchored
to their deep-rooted
stiff-barked nurturers.
On unseen wings
these vulnerable ones
twist and turn
delicately dance
and descend
blanketing and nurturing
again
the earth
from which they were created.
Those still hanging on
still attached to bending
life-force branches
do you think they sometimes wonder,
When will I join the rest?
When will I begin the fall?