Walking down the lane,
I found leaves all over the pavement
Near a tree.
I asked, "How do you feel coming off the tree?
The one you fed once—did it just set you free?
Is this your autumn?"

"Why can't spring last a lifetime?
Answer me, leaves, why do you decline this request?"

The calm leaves—dried and withered,
Lying on the icy floor—
Answered my query softly:
"The reason lies in the design,
Nature has defined our lifeline.
Cherish the time while you have purpose,
For like me, everything will dissolve into the soil.
Even now, I am still the feeding host,
Nothing to foil."