Fall upon an ear listening intently
To the rhythm of a world that paints
Itself the color of yesterday and envy
While a park around me breathes the youth
Of an age that dips its hands indiscreetly
Into crisp leaves that beg for joy
And the happiness that through able sentry
Not so long ago held them high-
Standing alone, a worn path beneath me
Watching leaves with sorrow drifting
Gliding down as tortured hands
Grasping for air and a place to rest
Pale disillusioned colors clash
A season's proof, sucking a life of
Passion and hope into oblivion smashed
Between youth-filled smiles and days
Spent wrestling beneath discarded dreams
Falling as Angels from a cloudless sky;
I want to scream with wisdom's breath
Warning of the Fall that comes inevitably
Though I go on my way and welcome death
While restless leaves dance on around me-
Their knowing smiles bending gently in the light.
© Raymond t. Carter 2001
