Maybe it’s the falling leaves 

Or the fact that all the buildings in my hometown are collapsing

Like sand castles 

Some days I feel like I’m just trudging along, waiting to be tackled

I’ve been running these same streets for 20 years now 

The leaves always change at the same time in October 

Every day, every run, I think it over 

Beneath my feet, the red and yellow and orange crinkle 

They wither then fly off and land like sprinkles

But I don’t know if life’s a cupcake 

There’s a feeling I can’t shake 

You matter, so the bumper sticker says 

I want something beyond these platitudes and empty chatter 

Does my vote really count?

And what about prayer?

Is anyone there?

My faith is a mustard seed

But maybe that’s all I need

I’ve got a long list of concerns 

But maybe it’s my turn

So I laid ’em out

He told me I’m tough, like Sarah Connor 

(She always was my role model)

His gentle words encouraged 

I finally felt honored 

And my spirit flourished 

Like fall leaves aglow 

Maybe there’s some things I’ll never know 

I guess that’s where faith comes in 

I was brought to life by some simple encouragement 

At the crossroads he told me, “Don’t let fear dictate which way you go”

He said, “The reasons you don’t want to are the very reasons you should”

And he floated off like a leaf 

I took on that bridge – ran over it -among the foliage and bulldozed buildings 

Because I knew I could 

And it was thrilling