The Dance of the Phoenix Leaves
by Rosemary Krull
from the Oct 2025 Quiet Morning
This is the season of the Phoenix, as nature displays her final fire.
The leaves are burning red and gold as they prepare themselves for the pyre.
Preparing for their final dance, glorious to behold,
A final dance of colours bright, those embers of red and gold.
They give themselves so freely, they fall without a backward glance,
As they twist and twirl in Autumnal winds, in their glorious final dance.
Why do these leaves surrender so freely? Why don't they cling on to the tree?
Why are they so eager to surrender life? What do they know that we can't see?
Well, each leaf is truly a Phoenix, that's why they dance with glee,
They know that from their falling, they won't die, they'll simply be set free.
Those leaves aren't falling from the tree, they're dancing towards the ground.
They're answering the call from their children the seeds, a truly beloved sound.
Those seeds will be nurtured, fed and loved by each leaf which willingly fell.
When they burst forth in the Spring, they will carry with them, a leaf who within them will dwell.
Each leaf is truly a Phoenix, accepting each turn of the wheel.
They accept nature's call, as each Autumn they fall, they know it's the Earth that they heal.
Why can't we be like those Phoenix Leaves, accepting nature's cries?
With confidence, acceptance, with trust and love, knowing that when we fall, through faith we may rise.
A reflection & Illustration by Diana Thomas
from the Quiet Morning in November 2025