11 April 2012
Another ordinary day, dream like and blurry.
Clouds pass overhead and their reflections can be seen sweeping gracefully across the surface of the water.
There is a chill wind blowing in from the east, rustling the fallen leaves of Autumn, golden and burned. Their delicate skeletons forming ominous shadows on the ground below.
The sun bleeds through layers of cloud, gleaming shards of light shine down onto the world below.
And there I am, amidst the madness, among the fallen.
More than once I think, 'is this life, or death? Is this how it all starts, how it all ends? Am I alone?' but of course I am not.
I am on the precipice of a tall cliff, overlooking the sea. The ripples and waves sparkle as they are brushed by the cascading sunlight, the surf catching a rock and exploding upon it like a firework.
I am at the edge now, looking down. I can feel the wind pushing against my back, tempting me closer. I feel scared. I must fall, again, from the cliff now.
And I tumble.
Over the edge.
Falling.
Falling.
Swirling in ever decreasing circles, never looking down. Lighter than air. And for the first time in my short life, I feel calm. There is no more I can do. I am condemned to this life, this ending of life. This new chapter.
I hit the water. I am washed ashore. And there I rot. My body golden and burned, and now my skeleton forms ominous shadows on the ground below. The sun bleeds through layers of cloud, gleaming shards of light shine down upon me.
And now I am nowhere. And everywhere. Again I think, 'is this death? Is this how it all ends?' I know I'm not alone. I'll never be alone. And this thought comforts me as I am recycled.
Mother Nature begins her work and I am with her. I am sucked into her, devoured. I see nothing. Not a thought is within me, just a dull sense of accomplishment.
And I wait.
There, in the distance, I hear Her voice, calling to me, taking me deeper. She welcomes me and I can see. I can feel again. I am reborn.
I stare blindly as the eternal cycle continues. Everything is recycled.
"Ready, little Leaf?" said Mother Nature, with a smile in Her voice.
Wordlessly, I said, "I am ready." Our voices booming; echoing forever. For a moment I feel as big as the world. Now, as small as the smallest seed.
And the process begins again.
And I wait.
I grow and grow.
And now I hang from the tree that gave me life again.
Ps. this is my favourite :)
Fallen Leaves • Opuss № I