"Sweet Leaf" a poem by Jess Coffman

A silent morning rustling, 

amid the ever-hum of the big city.

Living, rusted, shimmying leaves, 

Without shame in their yearly shift

and decline, 

Yet we human beings, fall into the 

unease of the change. 

Allowing goosebumps on our skin, 

to become a physicalization of the 

unknown fear of a new life season. 

One can't exactly plan change, 

for we all change according to 

our own unique inner pacing. 

But, sometimes we can feel it come on like a wave on the distant ocean, 

not knowing the moment of rumination's break and release.

But with devotion, we can choose to trust the fiercely fervent wind that brings this wave,

and with immense satisfaction, allow it to hold us upright, as we push against it, 

testing it's love like a mischievous child. 

In this, we attempt to welcome abundant life as it roars at us, 

bracing ourselves for it's powerful baptism. 

I, would like to be like the leaf, allowing 

new colors as they come, 

Surrendering the illusion of intentioned will, 

to make my life 

what it must be. 

Rather, I will synchronize by the Great Sowers whisper, 

allowing myself to be stained and washed. 

And enjoy the unprecedented and familiar pigments painted on me, 

as I weather time and accept the truth that we are all hanging with 

divine purpose by God's Grace. 

And like the aging and ever-changing leaf, 

we don't know when we may be plucked, or fulfill our time and 

swirl to our end on the ground, 

being gently escorted by the palms of the wind. 

And on that day, I will roll and cartwheel and run among friends until 

I am collected under the feet of exuberant young children. 

And I hope the last sound I hear, is the laughter of these children as they 

jump and kick and dance on my well-worn and crunchy body.

And I will smile as I deteriorate, and my purpose will be fulfilled. 

And I will consider it all, to have been a blessing, 

And I will consider it all, to have been good. 

JESS COFFMAN

"You are under no obligation to be the same person you were a year, month or even 15 minutes ago. 

You have the right to grow. No apologies." - Unknown