Leaves fall in an autumn breeze –
another and another –
forgetting branch and twig
knowing not where they go.

Joy falls from the sky in autumn leaves
through southern suns slant
broken in branches, needles, bird flight;
fall without ceasing through crackling air.

All day long in light
I pass through fallen leaves.
While I sleep through the night
joy falls through its dark mysteries.
I wake to beauty twirling in flight
clinging a moment more
to creation, then letting go –
another one and another –
flung into the realm of the Graces
elemental virtues of the human soul,
parchment on which to write
a human life.

Portland, Oregon – October 12, 2016