The old leaf smiled

On the branch of a young Autumn tree
Was a single leaf dressed in brilliant green
Unwilling to dry and crack
Refusing to change colors
Determined to remain on the branch
Past the coming Spring
The wind tested its resolve
Growing colder by the day
The frost held firm
Trying to pull the green leaf astray
When the season finally changed
When the trees bore new fruit
The branches celebrated their youth
And the old leaf smiled
As it danced away
Atop a warm Summer breeze