The Oak Leaf

I am the fallen leaf

of the mighty oak

I have a sad

and troubled

existence

I lose my color so quickly

turning brown as the dirt

of the forest floor

of which I wish to return to

I realize I am not

as other fallen leaves

for they

break down

decay

and return

to our mother

the earth

becoming part of

the rebirth of the foliage

within this great forest

But I am the leaf

of the oak

and must wait

an extra year

my blades curled up

as if they were

fingers interlaced

on hands in prayer

to once again

become a part

of the life I once was