The Family Tree

 

The leaf had quietly passed away a little bit ago.  When it finally fell from the branch, it drifted gently to the grass below.

It had no thoughts of being dragged along with a metal rake or being tossed into a pile of other dead souls.  It was simply a lifeless thing laying there.

There were no expectations of it blending into the earth and growing into a new tree.  No anticipation of again becoming green and dancing in the summer breeze.

It had been here, lived its life and now was gone.  Somewhere, perhaps in the background of someone’s photo book, it could be seen hanging from the tree, alive and vibrant, maybe even smiling.

Cremation sent familiar memories drifting through the neighborhood.  Hundreds of souls rose quietly into the sky, up pass the leaves that still clung to life.  Their turn would come, though not until next Fall.  

Some looked forward to the transition, while others feared what lay ahead.  It was unknown.  Would it hurt?  Where exactly would I end up?  Will I know anyone there?  There had always been comfort in being a part of something bigger, so what happens now?