A Lone Leaf

As I was walking along a wooded path, appraising the consonant colors of a brisk Fall morning, a lone leaf fell from its tree, slowly, at last finding itself upon my shoulder, joining me on my path.

"Good morning. It's nice of you to join me." I said, doing my best to be cordial.

"It is a lovely morning isn't it," replied the leaf, apparently unaware of its fallen state.

Attempting to be compassionate I offered, "My condolences, my new friend."

"I'm so sorry to hear, have we lost someone dear?" he said, humoring at his own rhythmic cadence.

"I meant for you, of course." At once concerned that he seemed unaware of his estate.

"Have I lost something?" He inquired.

Finding the discourse to now be interrupting to my peaceful walk, I cut to the chase, "I mean for your passing."

Said the leaf, "It is a grand day to pass," smiling, as well a leaf can. I laughed to myself a little, struck by his wanton disregard for the ill consequence of the Season's plight.

"You sure seem chipper for a leaf on its way to leaving this life," I remarked, wincing a bit at my own pernicious pun.

Finding himself bothered to be waylaid on my shoulder, snorted the leaf, "My dear friend, we are never on our way to leaving anything, only on our wanderings to new destinations." Lifting himself from my shoulder, he caught the wind and floated away. I swear I heard him say, "Whee!"

~~~

In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “For everything you have missed, you have gained something else...”