Leaves come furling, swirling, twirling,
Golden, red and brown.
My soul can hear their laughter
As they reach to touch the ground.

Their beauty's overwhelming,
Falling like a golden rain,
Saturating the dry earth below
With their splashing gorgeous stain.

Then tears from inner person spring,
For I can just almost hear
One leaf conversing solemnly
With other leaf so dear.

I heard him whisper quietly,
"Is that all there is down here?
We have lived life without purpose;
Tell me - why, Lord, were we here?"

And I think I heard my Lord's reply,
With soft voice so filled with Love,
"Listen closely now, my little leaf;
Lift thine eyes and heart above.

Your life was not in vain, dear one;
You fit well in My great plan.
You have shaded and protected
Both my animals and man.

Although no-one spoke a Thank You,
And no-one spoke your worth;
Your worth was gold and rubies.
You were splendid on the earth.

Each one of you is one small leaf,
But listen now to Me;
When I look down on the whole of you,
I SEE ~ A MIGHTY TREE!"

- Mary L. Kiker -