Even this leaf

knows it's a trick

even this leaf once
waited to emerge,
once wanted more
than a bud's potential.

there is no incremental age,
only living or not --
even this leaf
still knows the sun's warmth
still sips the tree's strength.

what do you need 
that you don't already have?
it's all inside you, inside you,
ready to burst forth
ready to quiver in the wind.

don't buy another lipstick.
of what use is that next upgrade?
even this leaf 
knows it's a trick--

listen to your dreams.
listen to the howls coming
from outside. 
this is your time

to float free 
unburdened 
by mean, soggy 
constructs 
that don't know the first fucking thing about you.

---

Love and wonder to you,

and to us all,

in 2026.

— mE.