the breeze drops them off one at a time
red yellow and brown leaves that spin
as they fall next to others on the ground
like a caravan of old friends gathering
for a trip they booked a long time ago
they remember the free one-way tickets
and the open itinerary of this tour
with a gust they’re off many smiling and
holding hands until a whirlwind splits
the group into smaller expeditions who
only have a moment to wave goodbye
no time for a last hug or a quick kiss for luck
no wishes for God speed on this journey
to who knows where