The leaves of Armistice

A leaf hangs stubbornly to it's exposed branch. The relentless wind of change pulls at it's core. It is blown from all sides but refuses to yield.The last shield to protect the tree from Winter.

Bitter is the wind , yet bold is the leaf
as the branch quivers with fear in the turmoil. Alone it torments fate & knowingly it enjoys its last hours with dutiful acceptance.

The trunk of the tree is unmoved 
It has seen it all before...
The storm , the battle , the panic of the branches & the shedding of the leaves before the truce.

It stands firm , offering hope , understanding & compassion. It gives the courage to start a new life.
It faces rain & storm with a half smile.
Half knowing , half sensing it's vulnerable strength...

The branches shudder & shake,
gripped by the motion of fear...
Yet they work together to ride the storm. They are the tree's diplomatic core. 

Flowing with the rhythm of the turmoil, yet staying true to the cause. Sacrificing leaves in thoughtless abandon. Involved, but strangely immune to the consequences of their actions...

Only leaves fight & fall. Such a valiant journey they take... Their fall from grace & trodden souls filter into the soil & nourish the very roots of the tree they die for. 

They are the tree's freedom fighters. Reborn each year to die in anonymous  vain for next year's freedom. They absorb all that is good. They feed & nourish & care & give their ultimate sacrifice....

themselves....

For the greater good we wave them goodbye with windblown tears in our eyes. But they are not gone. They are the true heroes of the hour. Free to fall , free to fly. They are the soulful sighs of the future. 

This is their gift to us...we must remember them. We , the free , who watch & do nothing as the leaves fall.