As I walked by the river
On a fine, fall day,
I saw a leaf
Bearing troubles away.

The leaf was burdened
With troubles and strife,
Taking them away
From my good friend's life.
In the shimmering water
The leaf drifted along,
Also bearing memories
Of things in life gone wrong.
As I thought of my friend,
I stopped to pray
That all of his troubles
Were drifting away,

Away from his life,
Forever gone.
And a new life begins
With the morning dawn.