Falling Leaves
By Clifford J. Bernie

The leaves
Are falling
Gently down
From branches
Of the trees
While I am
Letting go
Of feelings
Which I have
Harbored within
These emotions
Of happiness
And sadness
Have formed
From experiences
In my life
As the leaves
Have grown
From a bud
To a leaf
There are
Many leaves
Lying upon
The earth
Making a path
Very soft
And colorful
As I walk
Slowly through
The trees
Which have been
Letting go
Of their leaves
To bud again
In the moon
Of grass appearing
While I allow
These emotions
To be free
I will wait
For the beauty
They may bring

— Clifford J. Bernie is a writer living in Lawrence. Poet’s Showcase features work by area poets. Submit your poetry via e-mail with a subject line of Poet’s Showcase to mpaget@ljworld.com or send typewritten (not handwritten) submissions to Mindie Paget, 645 N.H., Lawrence 66044, attn: Poet’s Showcase. Teen writers should submit their work to the 18 & Under page at teens@ljworld.com.