Finding Me

The boys tossed the ball high in the air
Against the boughs of flowering tree
I hoped one perfect white blossom would fall
Just for me
The tall tree quivered and shook its leaves
'Twas not to be.

The ball bounced mighty against the parapet
And flounced away
While I cowered instead of kicking it back
My eyes bent to the ground

Perfect white blossom eluded me
I found a dead leaf
A brilliant red leaf
Turning yellow gold
I held it to my heart
Gently
To take it home
For keeps.

A finder of treasure
Doth never seek
Elusive flower and fruit
But guards tenderly
That which courts it
Or simply chances
To be.

Finders keepers
True
Only losers weep
Into the night
So blue
For what can
Never Be.

(c) Amrita Valan 2017