by Michael Plante

The Red Maple Leaf

We’re born to move
as we start to crawl our world opens up.
New experiences unfold before our eyes
we marvel at what we find
and we hold close to our hearts
moments that impact our soul.
Moments that change our perspective
and the course of our lives.

We develop our stride
forged by failures and successes
and walk with pride as we rise in a world
of challenges that offer us a chance to grow.
Joyfully our spirits accept these challenges
humble beginnings is the cornerstone of self-respect and honor.

Life sweeps us away from time to time
like a whirlwind that carries the red maple leaf
it shall take us to new heights
and beyond the sight of those that watch the evening glow,
to a place a soul can reflect
a place where the fire crackles on the shoreline
and the lake with no name listens to voices that call out to her.

Reflection is without compromise
no terms or conditions
just a willingness to still ourselves
and appreciate the fact that we are human.
And in doing so we modestly marvel at the sense of our perception of self-worth.
We begin to realize free spirits are not attached to material objects
they move through time and space as freely as the air we breathe.
And as the fire’s glow magnifies the night sky
we become quiet while sitting next to the spirit of the lake.
We become aware that our only attachment to life is the very soul we carry and the duties of the heart.

When you are ready
to drift like a red maple leaf upon the winds
do not hold on to reserve,
release it and let the winds bring you to where you need to be
to a place with a shoreline waiting for your arrival
a place where spirits meet to watch the evening glow
while the warmth of the fire breathes life into the soul
and renews the heart of our existence.