I asked the leaf whether it was frightened
because it was Autumn and the other leaves were falling.
The leaf told me:
“No. During the whole Spring and Summer I was so completely alive!
I worked hard to help nourish the tree and now much of me is IN the tree.
I am no longer limited by this form for I am also the whole tree and when I return
to the soil I will continue to nourish the tree so do not worry; do not worry at all.
As I leave this branch and float to the ground, I will wave to the tree and tell her:
“ I will see you again, very soon!”
That day, there was a high wind blowing and after a while I saw the leaf leave the branch
and float down to the soil, dancing joyfully because,
as it floated it saw itself already there in the tree.
It was so happy.
I bowed my head, knowing I have much to learn from the leaf.
~Thich Nhat Hanh