If I were a leaf on a willow tree I’d grow long, I’d grow thin, I’d grow straight. Pliant and toothed and veined, I’d be With a bend and a brush and sshhhhoowishee sshhhoowee What a beautiful song I’d create. When it rained I’d lead those droplets down Along my center vein, I might let a drop hang on my tip for awhile While we’d conjure a simple refrain: Shhhhoowishha, shhhhoowisshha, shhhhooweee. I would drape and sway with my leaf-mates and limbs In a waterfall weeping with fractals and spray. While the raindrops pitter and daylight dims, We’ll settle and nestle and quietly say Sshhhooeeswish, shhhooeehush, shooeeay. Harlem Meer North, October