The trembling leaf, cold and alone

was late to fall, and now fights

against frost,

hanging by a thin, worn out stem,

it bends against the wind

but does not break,

it peers to see vast whiteness

above rooftops, weighing down tree limbs,

in the smiles of children.

The shivering leaf, is acutely aware

of the white that hangs against its own ragged edges,

bristling, it shakes off white flakes,

white dancing against a gray sky.

The children laugh and point,

the bustling leaf waves back,

strangely content to lie

until spring arrives.