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

[T.S. Ulmus]

Constructive criticism!? How could I possibly dare? This is a masterpiece. In my first read through this piece I was amazed at every turn. You strike me as a man that wouldn't appreciate pure fawning praise but I cannot come up with anything but praise. A master stroke of a true artist.

[Richard🖌]

Thank you most gratefully, Syr TS 🌿

I can conceive of nothing more graciously humbling or genuinely rewarding than to receive such appreciative sincerity, praise, and accolades for one of my earnest Free Verse pieces.
Coming from a fellow-poet so highly accomplished, admired, and respected, as yourself, I am amply assured my hopeful efforts have proven worthwhile.

Well, a little fawning never hurt a thing. ; )
Bountifully overjoyed … your grateful friend ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Writergurl]

"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,"

I LOVE this part, this is a wonderful write. I love this write a lot.
There is a lot of feeling in this write. Enjoyed.

[Richard🖌]

Thank you, Dear WG 🍂

Ever-so warmly for LOVING and enjoying anything about this poignantly humble poetic effort, that you think is wonderful.
The verse you've highlighted is also my favorite, as it's the poem's core essence.

May your days 'n nights nevermore be lonely! ⁓ Richard🖌

[Amy R]

Brilliant piece I must, another very deep meaningful one!
looking forward to more of your poetry....

[Richard🖌]

Thank you, Amy 🍂

For selecting this Free Verse piece, for your encouraging compliment, and gracious expressions of appreciation.

This one's special to me … hugs! ⁓ Richard🖌

[Amy R]

You're welcome Richard,
this is a really nice piece.
*air hugs* to u my friend

[poetgurl]

constructive criticism - Um I don't think so, This is amazing!
Your last stanza just stands out, love this write.

[Richard🖌]

Another bite!? 🍎

Goodness-ME, Meg, how lucky can a bard get? Three reads and reviews in a row … I'm gobsmacked!
And, there you go again, loving something about my humble little efforts. I am sooo very pleased to have your attention, and to receive such graciously encouraging regard from an accomplished poetess.

Thank you ever-so sincerely, Meg ⁓ Richard🍂

[Starbaby]

I can only think of but one criticism of this. It was over too soon. Love, love, love it!

[Richard🖌]

A fine early morn to thee, Lady Lorena🌤️

Ya know? Nothing is more warmly gratifying for a humble bard than being gifted a poetesses' love of his ardent efforts … as you've so succinctly and appreciatively expressed for this rather poignantly rendered piece.
Twenty-eight lines of poetry would be enough for most, and You asking for more is the highest compliment of all.

Thank you, Lorena, ever-so delightfully for sharing your inspiringly gracious and welcome, poetic sentiments! ⁓ Richard 🍂

[Lisasview]

Okay, third read of this Free Verse poem of yours..
At first read I was sure that the loved person had died...but today as I reread this I am thinking...Wait a minute, did this person leave you!!!
Either way I felt the awful pain.
Lisa

[Richard🖌]

LOL, Lisa!

You've about eaten the entire apple one bite at a time! ⁓ Richard🖌

[Lisasview]

Wonderful to first read back my review and then right away read your response...
Connected,read moreWonderful to first read back my review and then right away read your response...
Connected,
L

[Richard🖌]

Nothing's more special than melding⁓*

[Lisasview]

For sure..

[Renée]

I paused, I read, and walked along in those leaves, felt the loneliness.
As always, Sir Richard,
I do enjoy your writing.

[Richard🖌]

L'Chaim, Dear Renée 🥂

Though's been awhile,
you've brought a smile
to an olde bard's face …
for, your special style,
in its soft, warm guile,
is no less'n pure grace!

You've left a lovely atmosphere …
thank you ever-so warmly, Renée ⁓ Richard🖌

[carl]

my apology for emphasizing a minor aspect of your piece. I did read it several times, but see now that my response was not well directed to your main point. Out of respect I have removed my previous review. As you noted that you do not normally review stories, I withdraw my ask that you read mine. Take care - carl

[Richard🖌]

Thank you most gratefully, Carl,

I appreciate your time spent on my page and wish you peace and happiness throughout the new year.
I immensely enjoyed your excellently penned story, and thank you sincerely for the invitation to share it.

Many blessings to you, Sir! ⁓ Richard🖌

[Miss Sharon]

(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) Oh my goodness. Please pass the tissues. You write with such vivid imagery your reader feels as though they are actually there. Beautifully done my friend! ~Sharon

[Richard🖌]

And, Dear Sharon 🍂

How beautifully and graciously you've expressed your gentle emotion, understanding, and appreciation of this poetically poignant poetic homage to our leafy little friends, the end of a relationship, and the loneliness that so tenderly remains.

Thank you sincerely, Sweet Sharon, for sharing these sad moments with me and for your truly comforting praise … with warmest hugs! ⁓ Richard 🍁

[Lisasview]

I just reread this as I am working on my Free Verse poem..
Empty bed
lone hair
such clear images...
Love it again..

[Richard🖌]

Lisa,
As I love it again that you do. : )

Thanks for taking another bite! ⁓ RJ

[Lisasview]

Always my pleasure..
Lisa