Hanging, leaves balance on a tree limb in summer’s glow

Idling, the engine waits for hard pressure on the brake

The sun sets, moments become memories, and the day rests its eyes

Clutch, balance, jam it in reverse, hit the gas and drive

The leaves’ grip weakens, lessens with the leaving light

Flip the turn signal and turn into the street

As the leaves fall

And stall, snowfall or teardrops’ cascade

Breaking glass, momentum meeting motion, the click of an unclasped seatbelt

Light filters through through kaleidoscopic segments, the colors blend, change

Flashing lights and sighing sirens echo off brick and pavement as lungs and dreams collapse

Gently, the whispers of leaves hitting the earth caress the patient listener

Brakes lock and vanish control, tires wail, a silent goodbye

Sailing through the air, a whirlwind of intrigue and abandon

But fallen, collision and time freeze, thawing at the shriek of heated metal

They’ve touched softly, these leaves, hopes and beliefs, settling to earth

Movement ceases as the motion’s cut, the internal rhythm of last words

And they sit forever, staring at the sky and home, wishing away the world

Concrete chips and cracked windshields, aftermath

Peaceful acceptance and idyllic calm

Brick wall and blood stains

The leaves stall but fall, snowfall or teardrops’ cascade

Pastel portrait of the perfection afforded a moment

Broken knuckles and unfamiliar ceiling

The leaves drift away, patience afforded a lifetime

Fade to black, cut camera

When the snow melts, what does it become?