The Leaves Are Falling

"The leaves are falling," she said. "I'm scared."

"Shhhh," he whispered softly in her ear. "It's going to be okay."

"You promise?"

"Promise."

They lay together watching the sunset.

The last bit of summer running from them yet.

Dried leaves crunch under every step.

In his mind they haven't beaten him yet.

She wonders if this is the best it's gonna get.

Trying to find a little bit of hope in what's left.

A needle in a haystack.

Hope on a shoe string.

A pauper's diet.

She gets up and starts collecting their things.

Thermos, paper plates, duffle bags.

In her mind, her thoughts are creating a riot.

What's wrong, what's right.

He shakes the blankets, dry leaves fall to the grass.

He watches them fall and they remind him of snowflakes.

They remind him of change.

Softly he tells her, "Such a beautiful night."

She nods her head, but he doesn't see it.

She doesn't stop moving because she knows that she can't.

He comes up behind her and takes her by the hand.

She stops what she's doing and looks deep into the eyes of her man.

She sighs heavily, she relaxes steadily.

She loves this man.

"Baby, stick with me," he tells her. "I got a plan."

Her heart starts to double beat.

Reassurance, he knew, was all that she needs.

Her smile spoke volumes, her hand squeezed his.

This moment they shared he sealed with a kiss.

They pack up their car and start on their way.

Following a road to wherever it leads.

Along way from home, but both of them know, that together their home is wherever they roam.

Neither one of them remembers a time without each other.

Neither one of them would say so even if they did.

Their love has been tested, their patience has worn thin.

Now they find hope from deep down within.

Their hearts filled with gratitude for each passing day.

And faith in each other that good will come their way.

Darkness has settled in the skies up above.

Childlike, out the window she peers. "The stars seem so close."

He glances up at them, but only for a moment.

Their brightness lights up the sky, they light up her eyes.

"I love you," he says out loud, feeling so proud.

His eyes on the road, their open road of hope.

Freedom allows them the ability to roam.

With a full tank of gas onward they roll.

Hours later they pull into a city unknown.

Lights shine from the businesses; sending out hope.

Such a long way to go.

But faith in tomorrow keeps them together.

Beginning again keeps them stronger than ever.

Knowing together things can only get better.