Leaving the Nest

November approaches, too close for comfort

And as I see autumn leaves falling off

Leaving their trees bare, settling into the dirt

A breeze blows by, shaking more off

And bees and birds, startled, fly off, unhurt

And I wonder, is this what they feel

Our parents and teachers, 

When they watch us growing up, 

Helpless onlookers in our struggles

Trying to catch up

Because we've grown up too fast

And are getting ready to leave the nest at last?

If only I could jump over the roofs

And ask that old tree to pause for a while

Don't let them go so soon, I'd say

Let your branches stay green for just another day

Why do I feel this impending doom?

Why is May rushing at me so soon?

Let me stay for a little while more

Let me study just a little bit more

Let me get this right

Let me put up a good fight

Against myself and the past

And do my best

Before I leave the nest