Those Autumn Leaves

The leaves on my backyard maple are finally turning. Yesterday, when I got home from art class, I could not resist picking a few to paint. All of a sudden they will all be red and I love the varied colors they are now too.

When the autumn leaves start swirling, I always hear a song in my head. The song that was so popular in the 50's; made popular by Roger Williams. In 1955, his beautiful piano instrumental was number one.

Originally it was a 1945 French song "Les feuilles mortes" ("The Dead Leaves") with music by Joseph Kosma and lyrics by poet Jacques Prevert. In 1947, Johnny Mercer wrote the English lyrics.

The falling leaves drift by my window

The falling leaves of red and gold

I see your lips, the summer kisses

The sunburned hands I used to hold.

Since you went away the days grow long

And soon I'll hear old winter's song

But I miss you most of all, my darling

When autumn leaves start to fall.