What were these leaves?
They were the tight-wound promises of Spring.
What were these leaves?
They were the broad shade-givers of Summer, creating patches of cool from the glare of the sun.
What are these leaves?
They are the yellowed tears that fall to the ground, reminding us that life includes endings.
What will these leaves become?
They will become fragile, skeletal litter. After that, a scent that reminds us that once there was life. Soon, they will be no more than soil, a rich home to shy-capped mushrooms and scuttling beetles.
What are these leaves?
They are a covenant. They tell us that life was and will return.
These are the leaves.
Estuary Tales 