OF ROOTS AND REALITY

What I am is a petal
strong and soft
tightly held to other petals,
fed from a common root.
When I am most beautiful
I will loose my hold
and fly on the wind.

What I am 
is a root
tough, hungry
searcher and toiler.
Because of me
the magnificence of a tree
becomes reality.

What I am is a leaf
brilliant yellow and red,
having passed my summer.
They have placed my branch
on the mantelpiece
where the richness of my beauty glows.
They will let me stay
until my veins grow brittle.

			Lucille Murphy