To Flâneur

A group of trees with fallen leaves of various Autumnal hues

To Flâneur

Today, I longed to flâneur

through the fallen leaves, 

wandering, 

wondering 

about the way each leaf sprouted

from the great tree branches

just months ago,

small, green buds, 

excited

to live their lives along

the trees' limbs, 

providing 

shade on a hot summer day, 

food for the ravenous caterpillars,

waving in soft breezes

that brought peace of mind

to this worried soul.

Now, these same leaves

contain the vivid colors of gold, russet and red,

some, newly fallen, 

gently kiss the top of my head,

while others crunch 

beneath my feet. 

That's what it means to flâneur

among fallen leaves, 

embracing 

the glory of Autumn. 

© Jeanne I. Lakatos