This Autumn I placed a leaf near my work

Area on top my desk. It was red,

And I thought it would be a nice small quirk,

To have something I found in a leaf bed.

As a few days came and went, I noticed

The yellow veins turn into a sick black

That spread to bright red without remotest

Hint that some would remain within the plaque.

I only noticed suddenly that my

Once vibrant red leaf was now brown and crisped

And as I disposed of it I thought why

That, out of all things, a leaf would be missed.

However I realized an awful truth

That everything has fleeting youth.