Another Hanging Leaf

why does a single leaf

cling to the top of a copper beech

fluttering in a morning breeze

when all the rest have fallen

was it selected

and if so to what end

why does autumn sunlight

change its point of view

when everything that matters

to you has blown away

illuminating on a hillside

something you've never

noticed before but will

remember now as a truth

you always knew

and why just why

a country over

do the marcescent leaves

of a white oak hang on

crackling with malapropisms

rustling and discussing with

the brisk winter wind

the benefits of weather