Turning Tree

As I passed a turning tree today, a 
Flutter of color caught my eye. A bright, 
Golden aura-bordered leaf somersaulted 
Gracefully through the branches, down 
To the wet street and into my heart.

My veins picked up the roll and tumble.
My head rushed and warmed to the glow 
Of color radiating all the brighter on the 
Shinny black top that held this delicate, 
Single-winged creature of autumn.

As I reached for it, the wind plucked
It from the street and from my breast,
Tossing and tumbling it toward space,
Till my heart was tethered by a thread
So tight it snapped and I fell back to earth.