The dry, tired leaf falls slowly

Drifting sleepily down

Occasionally caught in a passing breeze.

Blown into a gutter flowing with the remains of today’s forecast.

The leaf relaxes as it’s carried along gently , relieved , glad to be out of the uncertain breeze.

Unaware of the passage of minutes or hours, the leaf is roused from its rest.

Now being tossed roughly about in a stinky , wild rush of frightening refuse as it enters the dark underground tunnels .

Exhausted, he waits and longs for the peaceful rest he once had .

Bouncing along in the torrent, fighting to stay in one piece, until at last the tunnel widens into a quiet stream.

Once again , darkness turns to light as the flow carries him into the next day and the calm of the ocean waves.