A Leaf Poem by Carole Moran

A leaf
Rafting on a spring torrent
Twisting, turning;
Through rapids, over falls;
Almost dashed to destruction
Against the flooded river bank;
Helplessly, randomly tossed to and fro.

A leaf
Frothed and wet
By the river's abandoned
Movement.
Slowly soaking, ready to drown;
Capsizing, sinking into the brown
Muddy flood;
Settling to the bottom
In a deep murky nest;
Peaceful at last,
And ready to rest
In death.
The swirling, buoyant, overwhelmed
Leaf.

(July 2,1992)