listen to the leaves
calling and cajoling,
leading you astray
beckoning you come away
from your desk today.
do not delay.
listen and obey.
listen to the leaves
chattering and clattering
to join them in the glade,
leaves that jiggle, giggle, wriggle,
rustle, scrape and sway.
what do they say?
listen and obey.
listen to the leaves
crisp and crunch beneath your feet
“walk among us, and upon us.
find your heart again,
lost amid the leaf litter”
you hear what they say.
listen and obey.
listen to the leaves
lengthening you and strengthening you.
feel the scent of sap settle slowly in your senses.
watch in wonder as your soul unfurls once more
set upon the soft brown forest floor.
today is the day.
listen and obey.
now go, in peace
back to your life and work
leave the leaves behind you for today
but don’t forget to let them lure you
away to play another day
listen to the leaves
listen and obey.
Happy Earth Day!
by Katherine Torrini