Descent

The leaves on an autumn tree began to crisp and wither as the warm summer sun fades into the horizon.  Without the tenderness of the sun’s long outstretched arms, the leaf struggles to hang on.  Each passing cool breeze threatens to end the leaf’s brief existence and endanger the chance that it will hang on for another day.  Its gentle descent is inevitable and expected, but still poignant.  If only the summer sun had not moved on, the tree will still be bursting with life.