It Wasn't Intended That Way

Unfastened

from a barren branch

of an autumn tree, 

this frozen leaf

did become.

Sometimes

my eyes climb

that same tree –

the leaf still

bound to its past.

This hour's

version of it –

our encounter

an unintended

collaboration.

. . . . .

There are dead stars that still shine 

because their light is trapped in time. 

– Don DeLillo