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 🍃

[Patricia Wedel]

The Autumn of love... with colors that warm our soul when we fold our summer dreams into billows of butterflies on wing and our heart sings
of being a part of earth and nurturing new birth after snows and mistletoe... the buds sleep on branches where birds will nest come Spring. tenderly, Pat

[Richard 🍃]

Thank you, ever-so warmly, Dear Pat 🍁

Your review, a lovely poem in itself, reflects the effulgently sweet nature of its author.

With happiest hugs 'n blessings! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[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 🍃

[Ankita Dwivedi]

Hearts like seasons indeed share a kinship of change. Lovely write.

[Richard 🍃]

Good afternoon, Dear Ankita 🌻

It is wonderful to receive your nice compliment and understanding words in review of this rather poignant little Free Verse.

Thank you most sincerely, Fine Poetess … happy hugs! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Rizaclaire]

I like your play on words and how I can feel and imagine the loneliness one must feel with constant change but nothing can be done but accept the reality that change is part of life. Thank you for sharing your words.

[Richard 🍃]

Goodness-ME 🥀

What a pleasure to write for another who possesses the kind of depth and sensitivity that allows them to get out of themselves enough to actually "feel" the poignant essence of a deeply personal, meaningful poem.

The happiness you've bestowed an olde bard has gifted an all over smile … thank you, Rizaclaire, with my warmest, most grateful hug! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Rye]

How do you explain to a shivering leaf
that the cold can’t be as bad

Tell it to not be cold... lol
it is just gut instincts i guess. leafs hold so much symbolism

[Richard 🍃]

How beautifully put, Dear Rye 🍂

You've blessed this deeply sad Free Verse with your enduring brand of brevity and wisdom. Seems we both know a leaf will never understand, eh? 😏

Much happiness sent your way, M'Lady! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Kymberleigh (Kym)]

Winds stalk me
leaves tremble at my approach …
they are frightened
of the cold that follows.

Winds that stalk, wow vivid imagery as the leaves trembles, very vivid scenery,
as they are scared kind of like one's shadows. Awesome wording.

[Richard 🍃]

What a joy, Kym

It is to receive your deeper understandings of this rather forlorn verse in homage to the heart's abandoned yearnings.

Nice line you highlighted, too … I think they set the moment's ambiance.
Happier feeling hugs to You! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[choosen....Kay-T]

Your last two stanza's say it all, Awesome write, I can feel the loneliness.

[Richard 🍃]

Thank you, Lady Kay-T 🍁

Your warmth and compassion truly touch an olde bard's heart … hugs to thee! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[barleygirl]

Holy guacamole! I believe this is the first time I've ever read free verse from you, Richard, & this changes my understanding of your writing vastness. This poem has the most depth of any of yours I've read & is expressed in a way that's so very present & palpable, I think I may try to search out ONLY free verse from you in the future *wink! wink!* The premise of talking to a leaf & comparing lives, this is a powerful point & you make it with a ton of urgency conveyed (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Richard 🍃]

Good morning, Margie 🌿

There is always something interesting in your reviews of my poems; especially, when you begin with such a surprise rhyming exclamation.
You've, actually, reviewed several of my Free Verse pieces, commenting similarly on a couple, I think. But, I'm tickled pink that you select anything of mine to read, and it's a real treat when you praise something.

Thank you for such a lovely review, Margie, for the happy smile from inside-out, and those famous (((HUGS))) of yours … "fondly" back atcha! ⁓ 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 🍃