A Sheaf Gleaned in French Fields/The Leaf (Antoine Vincent Arnault)
For works with similar titles, see The Leaf.
THE LEAF.
Detached from thy stalk,
Leaf yellow and dry,
Where goest thou amain?
The tempest's fierce shock
Struck the oak proud and high,
And I struggled in vain.
Since then,—the sad day!
Winds changeful and rude
Transport me about,
Over mountains,—away,
And o'er valley and wood.
Hark! their whistle rings out!
I go where they lead,
I fear not, nor heed,
Nor ever complain.
The rose too must go,
And the laurel, I know,
And all things below.
Then why should I strain,
Ah me! to remain?