Falling

Falling leaves,
Crisp, golden, red—
Spiraling softly to the ground.

Falling rain,
Soft at first, then pounding—
Drumming on rooftops, washing streets.

Falling stars,
Brief, brilliant trails—
Wishes whispered in the dark.

Falling asleep,
Heavy eyelids, deep sighs—
Dreams hovering just out of reach.

Falling in love,
Heart racing, hands trembling—
The ground slipping away beneath.

Falling apart,
Piece by piece, bit by bit—
The quiet unraveling of all things certain.

Falling down,
A stumble, a crash—
The sting of earth against skin.

Falling silent,
Words caught in the throat—
The weight of unspoken truths.

And yet,
After all the falling—
The rising begins.