Slow down.

Slow.
Down.

Cherish this twilight.

This time when you are green,
ripe, strong.
You can bend without breaking
in storms
and cold sharp winds
do not tear your edges.

Cherish this time;
when you draw warmth
from the sun;
life from the air.

Slow down, little leaf,
For soon your blood will darken,
then turn to brown.

And then you will fall,
And then you will return to the dust.

Slow down, green leaf,
slow down.