Souls on the Way

The insistent wind cleanses our branches
as it picks up the spirits of the living and the gone.

The spent leaves that have obliged their time
go fluttering toward the earth from whence they erupted.

But not before they take one final flight
spinning, tumbling, sailing, falling
in the capricious dance of life.

Now their supple green skins are crisp and brown.
They have fulfilled their season
and are given to let go.

Oh, heaven! Open wide your portal for the new class to enter!
Welcome the tormented! Give asylum to the souls aloft!

And for us still standing with our face to the wind,
grant us your peace
‘til our own journey begins.
When we hop on a leaf,
and join the others.