Whilst walking down a hard chosen path,
a boy did spot a leaf.
For in the wind it flirted and danced,
then stole away like a thief.
Give chase he did, this rural lad,
so trusting of the plant.
His mind a race with only one thought,
"To lose it, I simply can't."
A smile on his face, he made with great haste,
he jumped and grasped at the sprite.
At last he caught the petal of gold,
and cupped it from taking flight.
"Have mercy my lord!" the sprite did call out,
"Do handle this flora with care.
A wish I will grant to you fine sir,
If my life you choose to spare."
The boy gave a laugh. " Fear not little sprite,
on my journey I wish not to tarry.
I am called Tom, but a simple woodsman,
the son of one Doreen and Harry."
"And what of your wish? young master Tom."
said Leaf, yearning to be free.
"The trees you come from are mighty and grand,"
said Tom "I wish for their seed."
"To home I'll return with this gift of yours,
placing each in the soil by hand.
Then the years will pass by under my watchful eye,
till a forest of gold does expand."
"A paradise for all man, animal and plant,
shall be your gift to me,
But to make this dream sweet waking life,
I require a bag of said seed."
With a smile of delight, Leaf dispersed into light,
forcing Tom to shield his eyes.
A moment then passed and he peered in his hands,
to see a sack seven fistful in size.
Inside Tom did see, seeds of amber and sunset,
enough to build what he planned.
So he set off once more, now assured of the road,
to bring life to his paradise land.
For my father.