The Last Leaves of Autumn

In the twilight of the year, as the days grow shorter,

The trees shed their coats of green, revealing hues of warmer,

Amber, gold, and scarlet, in a dazzling display,

The last leaves of autumn, before they fade away.

Whispering in the wind, they rustle and sway,

Dancing a final ballet before they must obey

The call of winter's chill, to let go and fall,

To carpet the earth in a tapestry so small.

Each leaf a unique masterpiece, a work of art,

Painted by nature's hand, with a delicate heart,

Veins like rivers, tracing paths of life,

A fleeting beauty in the midst of strife.

I watch them float and spiral, to the ground below,

Softly landing, a gentle kiss, before they go,

To join their brethren, in a quiet heap,

A whispered farewell, to the dreams they keep.

I gather them in my hands, feeling their crisp embrace,

A memory of warmer days, a last embrace,

Before the cold grips tight, and winter's breath,

Steals away the beauty of autumn's last breath.

But in my heart, I'll hold them dear,

The last leaves of autumn, a reminder clear,

That even as the world grows dark and cold,

There is beauty in letting go, a story yet untold.