a leaf was riven from a tree
"i mean to fall to earth" said he
the west wind, rising, made him veer;
'eastwards', he said, 'i shall now steer'
the east wind rose with greater force;
said he: 'twere wise to change my course'
with equal power they contend;
he said: 'my judgement i suspend'
down died the winds. the leaf, elate,
cried: 'i've decided to fall straight.'
'first thoughts are best'? that's not the moral;
just choose your own and we'll not quarrel.
howe're your choice may chance to fall.
you'll have no hand in it at all.
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