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 🍃

[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

[Christine Anne 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. 😌

[light and ashes]

Original.
I really like this write.

[Richard 🍃]

Thank you, Poetess,

It's nice of you to read my poem, compliment it, and let me know you like it.

A lovely day to ya! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[light and ashes]

You too sweet Richard.

[Richard 🍃]

Allie,
You're a bit-o-honey, yourself. : )

[light and ashes]

:) thank you

[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 🍃