Sitting by a mountain stream
On a sunny autumn day.
I see a leaf floating towards me
That trickles into the shade.
I rest my head upon a rock
And look up to the sky.
A breeze sings through the trees –
A choir of an autumn sigh.
I look again at the leaf
Once colorful but has begun to fade.
I remember how it protected me
In the heat of adolescent days.
It’s been so many years
Since that leaf was on the tree.
I wonder where it’s been
And how different life would be
If the leaf was still on the tree
And all the good it could have done.
Would it take some pride
By seeing the man I’ve become?
God, I thank You for this leaf,
But I have often wondered why
This beautiful leaf had to fall
So early in my life?
Yet, once again I find this leaf
Floating down this mountain stream.
I sorrow for the beauty it held
Is slipping from my memory.
God, I pray by Your grace
On my knees before you I bend
That when that day I will see You
I will see this leaf again.