Autumn leaves are the
Bright, exuberant ones that
Take my breath away.

And there are

Crackling, brittle fragile Ones,
That must be handled
Oh so gently,
Having lived full lives.

What they had in spring and summer,
That made them
Look so much alike,
Is no longer there.

Now each leaf’s
Essence
Is revealed.

They are richest in
Color as they
Approach their end,
To be treasured most,
Before they leave us.