Copper Sun (Cullen)/Leaves

by Countee Cullen

Leaves

ONE, two, and three,Dead leaves drift from a tree.

Yesterday they lovedWind and rain, the brushOf wingsSoft and clean, that movedThrough them beyond the crushOf things.Yesterday they loved.

Yesterday they sangSilver symphonies,Raised highHoly chants that rangLeaf-wise through their trees;As I,Yesterday they sang.

Unremembered now,They will soon lie warmWith snow;They could grace a boughOnce, and love and charm, AlthoughUnremembered now.

Trees so soon forgetLittle leaves they hadBefore,Knowing spring will letThem wake, vernal cladWith more;Trees so soon forget.

Man dreams that heIs more than a leaf on a tree.