Leaves quietly abandoning
Their birthplaces on a branch
In the autumn of their lives
Dancing through the air
Towards a predetermined
Future of decay and renewal
Birds collecting in amazing flocks
Getting ready with much noise
To leave behind this summer’s
Nesting places, feeding grounds
And birth places of their young
Charting familiar routes south
For us, the autumn of our lives
Is a very special time
Filled with memories of yore
Introspective times when
Time slows down opening up
Pathways into our hearts and minds
Teaching us what is important and
What does not matter at all
Helping us to see the good
To appreciate ourselves and others
Making us grateful for every minute
We were allowed to be in the light
And like the leaves we will one day
Begin our dance towards finality
Like the birds we will get ready
To leave everything behind
And take off with great fanfare
On our last and final flight