Freedom and Leaves

By Jennifer Weismantle

Part I

There’s a twisting leaf I notice, eyes fixed on the sky.

Wishing to be free from its safe home on a branch.

To journey through the sky to lead somewhere new,

Impatient leaf, lighthearted wanderer.

The twisting leaf’s shadow grows as it falls,

A massive hawk’s shadow casts me in darkness.

I know what it’s here to do,

Stalking my wanderer, a calculated killer.

Part II

Like the twisting leaf, my ducky likes to wander.

Rushing to the gate of her protective enclosure.

Disrupted from the days when she could frolic free,

There’s more in the sky today than just leaves.

From a twisting leaf to a stationary one,

She watches the sky, eyes wide.

More careful now than she ever was,

Clinging closer to my branches.

Part III

My eyes grow heavy watching the twisting leaf,

I have stared at the sky for longer than I’d ever wish.

A once relaxing activity turned into work,

It’s been days and the predator still lurks.

Why is it that the harmful roam free while the peaceful have to hide?

Behind cages, walls, masks, and barriers they wait.

For a day when they can twist away and fall into bliss,

Like an autumn leaf in the breezy mist.

Inspired by “Light Rain” by Yang Mu