The very last leaf of the fall
gave her level best and all
to shine as bright as she could be
and spite the winter’s hoary freeze.

There amongst the faded stems
of lavender that’s lost her lilac gems,
this leaf has nestled in a pose
that rivals summer’s crimson rose.

A leafy lantern of orange and gold
alit on silvered frosted ground a-cold
to blaze forth in her final victory:
An exit worthy of ancient histories.