Leaf Matters

The leaf keeps company with reds
of marigolds in flower beds.
A home for moisture from the sky,
a landing pad for butterfly.

The leaf gains pleasure from the sun
then starts to fold when day is done.
It uses light to run its mill
and greens itself with chlorophyll.

The leaf is cover o’er the land
with vistas wide and scenes so grand.
Green beautifies with leaves in spring;
in fall the color scheme is king.

A humble little leaf lies low
within the lawns we have to mow.
Walt Whitman said with lots of class,
there’s journeywork in leaves of grass.

A single leaf upon a tree
is but the start of majesty.
For royal is the raiment such
of nature’s fine exquisite touch.

A caterpillar takes a leaf
and makes a change beyond belief.
Leaves matter to some things that crawl
then paint with zeal within the fall.

The leaf is oak and maple dress,
cocoon for creature wee, no less.
What matters of the leaf, we learn,
is how we cherish its return.

28 Lines
Writer’s Cramp
9-16-17