Because her eyes were always
glancing downward
to see what lay at her feet
between strides or before the next step
it was inevitable that leaves would
one day summon her attention
Autumn time and the colour and curl
the drift and crackle under foot
their sculptured forms
so well curated against the drab
gallery grey-wet pavements she trod
But their very delicacy wore her down
until one day she saw a leaf
with a print mark the pattern of a boot’s
press and sole against the fallen foliage
of a Populus tremula
(or so she thought)

Taken then to her mantelpiece to dry
it slowly curled like a rug
to show only the weaver’s side
plain but variegated with nature’s stitch
ready to be carried on a merchant’s horse
this fine kilim of autumn
with its footprint signature
hidden from view from harm
on its journey over the mountains