Michael Appelt

A leaf speaks — from its birth in spring to its fiery farewell in autumn.

Carried by the wind, it journeys far beyond the tree that once held it, discovering beauty in release and freedom in letting go.

“I was the highest leaf” — a piece of musical poetry by Michael Appelt.

I was the highest leaf

I was the highest leaf, cradled in wind and light. So near to heaven, I thought the sky was kin.

I remember spring — how I woke from nothing, a soft green thought unfolding from the twig, new and trembling, washed in the scent of rain.

Then came summer — I drank the gold of the sun, swelled with life, shimmered when the wind sang. Birds rested in my shade, and I believed I would last forever.

But the days grew short.The light turned amber and low. And in that dying warmth I changed — from tender green to fiery red, burning quietly against the coming cold.

Then the twig released me. No anger — only a soft goodbye, spoken in the tongue of autumn.

The air took me — not as a thief, but as a friend, who knew the way beyond my knowing.

I soared — over the sleeping forest, past the cry of crows, through ribbons of mist that rose from hidden rivers.

The wind lifted me high — I saw silver lakes like mirrors, villages stitched with smoke, fields turning bronze beneath the sun.

Children laughed, chasing my shadow. Their voices rang — bright as bells.

Then silence. Mountains. And the cold breath of distance.

Every gust was a story whispered close — of oceans, deserts, endless roads. I was not falling.I was being carried toward wonder.

Now I rest — in a valley of strangers, among grasses that whisper other names.

My red is fading, but I am not sad. For I have seen more of earth in this one flight than I ever did clinging to the crown of my beginning.