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 🍃

[Kerra H.]

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,

Such awesome wording here, this is wonderful, I often wonder how to explain to a leaf what rain feels like. Salty tears, of a flood of emotion... This is so good.

[Richard 🍃]

Thank you, Lady Kerra 🌧

Your warm, embracing words are soft as gentle morning rain upon my upturned hand.

Praise will gift you many happy smiles in return! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Suzanne Sonderleigh]

Beautifully written. It takes my hand and pulls me into the cold. Into the wind. Into the loneliness.

[Richard 🍃]

Suzanne M'Dear🍁

That the metaphorical emotion and reality of my words have touched you in such a deep manner is praise, indeed, beyond what an humbly hopeful bard could have expected, but coming from You, I'm keeping it, nonetheless. ; )

I was once told there can sometimes be a certain kind of beauty in loneliness, and from your words, I believe it … thank you, Dear Suzanne ⁓ Richard 🍃

[KWP]

well okay - I read the title and had to wonder where you were going to take your words.

it's quite a divine piece of writing - I started out thinking about leaves and their consciousness - and argument well saved for my science studying son - then, you turn the corner to LIFE just LIFE. We cannot escape it, it's here for all of us to soak into and try to make peace with whatever is presented.

on a side note - I do wonder about the consciousness of the plants we eat and where oh where will the moral vegan / vegetarian line be drawn then?

[Richard 🍃]

Salutations, Lady KWP 🍁

I'm so very happy the title drew you in;,otherwise, I'd not have received your accolades of praise, appreciation, and insight from your lovely mind.
Your closing line brings to mind an eye-opening book I once read on plant research by two botanists, Peter Tompkins and Christopher Bird, "The Secret Life of Plants".
I well recall their names and the book title, because they hypothesized that plants are sentient, and backed it up with plenty of hard facts and astounding scientific proof … I've never since thought of, or felt about, plants the same.

Thank you for selecting this rather poignant poem, KWP … I'm so very happy to have shared it with You! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Betty Hermelee]

I love the analogy between between the shivering leaf, lonely in the bitter cold, to the empty pillow that brings shivers and sadness to you. How do you explain your empty feelings to a leaf? But the essence of this poem in on the loss of a loved one, the mundane days as the pass you by with the same strand of hair on the pillow; but as seasons change, so does the heart of a person. Life is always moving and changing, so as spring beckons, perhaps a life lightens up. Thank you for sharing Richard.
Yours truly, Betty

[Richard 🍃]

What a beautiful interpretation, Betty 🥂

You've truly unlocked and expressed the very essence of every meaningful aspect of this rather lamentable poem, assuring me we've connected on a rarely realized and relatable level … how wonderful is that!

Bless you, Dear Betty, with warmest thank you hugs all over! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Betty Hermelee]

You're very welcome!

[Audrey M.]

"Hearts like seasons...share a kinship of change" sad that, but it does happen regardless the reason. Beautiful poem, Richard

[Richard 🍃]

Yes, Lady Audrey 🍂

I concur … it is quite amazing how poignant beauty can meld softly sad moments into unforgettable heart memories.

Thank you ever-so warmly for reading and appreciating me … grateful hugs to thee! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Dave Brown]

fortunate enough to come across another of yours and this time a reflection on the end of things,
very nicely done and I appreciate just as much, your very meaningful image
my pleasure

[Richard 🍃]

Greetings, Brother Dave 🍂

I most humbly and sincerely offer my gratitude to you for reading and leaving such encouraging praise and expressed appreciation for this rather deeply poignant Free Verse piece.
I, too, felt the picture held meaning, and that it offered apt timbre for the poem.

Blessings for a happy holiday season! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Dave Brown]

& 2U2

[prema]

I am deeply touched by the sentiments expressed in this poem. A thought provoking poem.

[Richard 🍃]

Thank you, Prema 🌱

It is a distinct honor to receive your thoughtful review for this rather poignantly morose Free Verse piece, and to know it has prompted such deep thought and feeling in you, as-well.

Bless you your kindness for reading my humble efforts! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[prema]

welcome Sir

[Chris Shaw]

The loneliness of a single leaf, fallen from a rich canopy, which can be compared so easily with the plight of a human soul left on their own after the demise of partner and friends. A beautiful offering Richard,. A most moving read. I did hear the rustle by the way of that dried and aging leaf. Well crafted as I would expect from your wonderful pen.

Chris

[Richard 🍃]

Hi, Chris

It is so very nice to see you and to receive the gift of a deeply meaningful review from such an accomplished artist.
I am always thrilled to share my poetry with you, too, because you not only connect with it and understand the core essence of my intent, your skills allow me to know it.
Thank you, Lady Chris, most gratefully for your gracious praise and expressed enjoyment.

May you never know the deep loneliness this poem portrays … my warmest smile to thee! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Richard 🍃]

Side note:
My apology, Dear Chris, for the lag in responding to your beautiful comments … periodically, notice of reviews fall short of reaching my mailbox.
Bless you your kindly patience. 😌