The leaves of autumn turn to red ...

And sunsets light the sky.

I was so young just yesterday ...

Why does the time go by ?

I want to find my happiness -

To seek desires unknown.

So many things left yet undone -

So many seeds unsewn.

Why do the tears fall from my eyes ?

Why am I unfilled ?

Where will my life lead me now ?

What’s left to keep me thrilled ?

But as I look deep within -

I see I have so much.

A family’s love, a heart of gold …

A warm and tender touch.

And as my eyes open wide,

I see the future clear.

I have so much to be and do

And so much love so near.

I see that time is on my side

And I control my fate.

I will not fear the autumn leaves

Winter will have to wait !

And as I watch the sun come up ...

My life begins anew.

My tears drop gently off my face

And become the morning dew.

W. David Martin, Jr.

November 3, 2001