HEADIN' FOR HOME

Frost-tipped fiery leaves
weave a bold blanket
for Mother Earth, who,
after all, has earned the right
to be a little flashy
after months of neglected
quiet beauty.

Dreaming of my glory days
I imagine resting in red clay fields
traveled by pilgrims on their way
to meet who-knows-who.
I’ve walked that path myself
and been blessed by strangers
who’ve walked with me

and changed my life
in curious and unexpected ways.
But I never thought the easiest walk
I’d ever make would be the one,
I make alone today,
to pick my spot for eternity.
Just give me a tree for shade
in the summer, a trickling stream
to quench the thirst of birds
who stop by to sing my favorite hymns.
Maybe a rosebush nearby
to remind folks of beauty
if they catch a whiff.
And a simple white cross
so they’ll remember where I’m from.

And then, each autumn,
when it’s time to fetch the covers,
I’ll revel in the glory
if those leaves create
a bold blanket for me.
Tonight, as I lay me down to sleep,
I’ll pray I’ve earned it.

poem inspired by photograph taken by

(and used with permission of) James Melnychuk -

http://www.myspace.com/james1116