As Natalie leaves for college (2000)

two leaves cling to the branch
of a tree
(tossed by the wind)
shone in the sun

from afar a mass of green
leaves bends and boughs in the sun
all part of the same branches
the same tree
the same orchard

from afar we see that two
leaves on a farther branch
jut out from the tree

two leaves growing so close
but never touch
whose green veins carry
the same blood

the two leaves so closebut never
touching dancing
but not with the tree
are both swept by the wind
in the same instant
tossed in circles in the air
then land on the ground

but on opposite sides of the tree--