Tomorrow I will risk again a dusty track
not looking for a perfect leaf  
find by chance one inspiring
turn there and then for home
press within a book of poems
the ideal gift and there it will lie
utterly forgotten.
Years, a lifetime, later
not looking for an answer
you'll find by chance the preserved leaf
It's magic will manifest in your tears of joy
it's power is to bolster your strength
moreso because you understand
this was once the most ordinary leaf
among a generation of falling leaves.
And when the enemies of freedom
approach with stealth and malice
they will think you mad
dismissing their ready weapons
with a glowing happy face
but you who have endured so much
can no more give up than the stars of night
eager once more, once more
to gaze upon this wavering world.