Explaining to a Leaf (softly sad)

Free Verse

Explaining to a Leaf

~ loneliness ~

Winds stalk me,

leaves tremble at my approach …

they are frightened

of the cold that follows.

In hushed, rustling whispers,

as I pass, they ask,

“Why is it you are not afraid?”

Un-answering, my feet march on,

trodding on their fallen brethren,

lovers, sisters, and friends ...

why bother with answers.

Would they understand?

How do you explain to a shivering leaf

that the cold can’t be as bad

as waking up tomorrow,

finding it’s become

as lonely today as every day

is going to be,

what it’s like

finding the same empty bed,

with the same lone hair

stretched out across your pillow;

a single-stranded ghost,

the constant reminder

that all too often,

hearts,

like seasons …

share a kinship of change?

Author's Note

Picture. Compliments of Google images.

Please, feel free to offer constructive criticism and/or well-meant comments. : )

Reviews

[Susan]

This poems seems so alive to me, I can almost feel those leaves beneath my feet... and hear those hushed whispers. From this point on, I will always "hear" those whispers as I walk... I love the comparision with family, just like a "family tree." Though, the sadness that comes across really does hit me hard. The image portrayed is crushing. Not so softly sad. Clearly achieved your intention with this poem.

[Richard 🍃]

Dear Susan,
Your heartfelt words recognize and seem to actually feel the essence of this poignant Free Verse work.

With hugs 'n grateful blessings! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Wanda Vergara-Yates]

And so many people are as effective at comforting, at befriending, at communicating---as a crumbling leaf. The sadness of our society.

[Richard 🍃]

Thank you, Dear Wanda 🍂

It is a nice surprise to receive your insightful words in review for this rather sadly poignant little Free Verse piece.

A warm welcome to my pages, and to the Café! ⁓ Richard🍃

[Wanda Vergara-Yates]

I'm humbled.

[Katrina Mckeown]

Very poetic write with great use of imagery, so sad to wake up alone in this world especially if we have been used to sharing our nights with another. Interesting and sad poem

[Richard 🍃]

Aw, Katrina,

What a sweet and lovely review to my humble little verse of soft sadness.
From your words, I feel your depth of understanding and rapport with my own.
And, in your praise and expressed appreciation, rises the encouragement to keep my battered olde pen filled and ready for its next inspiration.

Thank you ever-so warmly, Dear Lady-Poet! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[lakinbob]

And in return, the little leaf will explain to you that loneliness passes, that rebirth is a never ending cycle, in both the temporal and spiritual world.

A very good poem here.

[Richard 🍃]

My most sincere thanks, Dear Poet : )

Your creative characterization of the "little leaf's" sentiments to me are distinctly entertaining and interesting.

Thank you, too, for such a nice compliment! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[justsomepoet (Kimmie)]

Love how you summed this up, very creative and so poetic. I do like your style. It is very neat and well organized poetry. Nicely done.

[Richard 🍃]

Ohhh, so you found this sad little piece. 😔

Kimmie,
I cannot thank you enough for loving anything about any of my poetry, and that you enjoy my style is like icing on the cake … your compliment added just the encouragement I need to shine my battered olde pen and fill it for a new piece. : )

A beautiful review, Dear Poetess! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Marie-Louise.]

What a sad picture of loneliness, but I know that feeling of kicking the autumn leaves, end of summer, end of a relationship, hands in pockets, collar turned up, kicking the leaves, feeling sorry for yourself. Sadness, loneliness. How sad is that!
Dare I say...Happy New Year. I wish you well Richard.

[Richard 🍃]

Hi, Lady Marie-Louise : )

With "A Happy First Day Of 2020!"
Thank you for sharing your take on this rather forlorn lille Free Verse piece in homage to sadness.
I think the emotional timbre of your review may be more poignantly palpable than the poem's verses.

I wish thee equally well, M'Dear … thank you ever-so warmly for your always intriguing visit! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Eilis]

What a stirring portrait of loneliness. I feel like this is one of the hallmarks of the human condition and that even those of us surrounded by others can experience the same sense. You've painted it with spirit here. There's a stoicism that makes the voice feel like it's resolved, in a way. Or perhaps it's a jadedness. Even when asked, the speaker does not want to share that great space within himself.

I enjoy the way you focus on the leaf/leaves and move out from there to show how much meaning can be imparted to the inanimate things. As poets, I feel like it is often the inanimate things that capture or imagination in novel ways. I am constantly inspired by the unmoving bodies of nature.

This is a lovely, plaintive poem, Richard.

[Richard 🍃]

Gosh, Eilis! 🍂

How perceptively stimulating and discerning your interpretations and expressed comprehensions are … it's as though this could have been composed from your very own thoughts, feelings, and emotions.
To be so well and deeply understood is truly an inspiring gift for a writer to receive from such an brilliantly-accomplished artist..
My heart may burst with gratitude from your sheer graciousness in praise and descriptive grasp of how Nature and human nature can so wondrously conspire to spiel a wondrous poetical tale.

Thank you, Dear Poetess … it is a distinct pleasure to serve You! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Betty Hermelee]

Dear Richard
I love your metaphors; and your use of words to describe loneliness. The poem just flows so well.

[Richard 🍃]

Ah, M'Lady!
That you love anything about me and how it flows … my poetry, is most delightful to know.

Thank you ever-so warmly, Betty ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Terpsichore]

Loneliness is so very difficult to endure, as by it's very nature it precludes the joy of interaction; and how sad it is, that we can feel lonely and isolated in a room crowded with people.

At least the little leaf has the comfort of rebirth.

T

[Richard 🍃]

So,
You, too, know loneliness very well, eh(?) … how it can sweep us into reclusion.

I enjoy your paradigm of the wee leaf. 🍂
Thank you most gratefully for your read and review! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[wordman]

touching piece,even nature is alive with feelings

[Richard 🍃]

Thanks, Ron : )
It's been so long I can barely hold the dogs back!
Isn't it remarkable how poetry allows us to bring anything to life, to gift it thoughts, emotions, and feelings?

Glad you found favor in this poignant little Free Verse.
Be blessed my ol' friend! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[wordman]

you`re welcome,i believe everything is alive

[Richard 🍃]

You're literally right of course, Ron,
But, you know I mean alive in the poetical, humanly-mental, and figurative sense. : )

[wordman]

of course,we bring it to you in the writing

[Richard 🍃]

I like the easy way you put things. : )

[wordman]

we paint portraits with our words and thoughts,

[Richard 🍃]

So very true.

[just k]

Wow! so very powerful as well as the imagery. I can feel the power of a simple little leaf. intrigued by your words, nicely written

[Richard 🍃]

Hi, silent k,
How encouraging it is to receive two reviews in a row from you.
Your words of praise and emotional relatability truly inspire a bard to keep his pen shined and full.

Thank you most appreciatively! ⁓ Richard 🍃