The last leaf

A poem in prose. It is the juxtaposition of an autumn tree (popular Alaba) shedding its leaves and the sick person shedding their life at the same time.

                 The Last Leaf.

 

 

Autumn charged in with its usual fury, the white poplar outside my window

shimmered and shook.

The leaves with their white undersides drifted down towards the Earth,

the veins shortened, contracted, like the veins upon my hands.

Here was nature- raw and uncompromising, but the little Alba stood firm.

 

 

For weeks the skies had been heavy with sluggish grey clouds,

the blood within my veins moved in similar fashion.

Each leaf that fell was like the ticking of a clock bringing me

closer to that silent place.

 

My last day before the dawn, the sky was clear and above the distant

hills the sun rose, bathing my view in soft golden light.

My joy as the sun struck the diamond- shaped welts upon the bark,

bringing them into sharp relief.

Splashes of silver and golden light tickled the heart shaped leaves as they

drifted gently towards the ground.

 

 

After my joy at nature’s reward I noticed only one leaf left,

 it fluttered like my heart, hanging tenuously upon its source.

As the sun rose higher the view became surreal, nothing moved.

My breath shortened, my chest heaved-- a final glance toward the little Alba.

Then as my eyes lost focus, a dark shroud encompassed me.

 My last breath like the Will-O-The-Wisp moved towards the lonely leaf,

and in a deathly embrace we fell to earth together….  

Reviews

[Confuser]

Alan: Beautiful poem, light subtle and engaging. The gorgeous descriptions are powerful, vivid and awesome. I felt like I was floating like the Alaba leaf, changing and your poem heightened drifting upon the soft earth, noticing the surrounding in peace. I also enjoyed the comparisons of you're hands, the wording is perfect. I love prose, and this is simply beautiful - the metaphor of the changing of seasons, the way in which you led me to the ending inhibiting my emotions to see death as a an anticipation, without fear was wonderful. Thank you..:Dale

[micky]

Excellent! ! breathtaking! !! heartbreaking! !! by far your best as of yet I love every line in this piece. ..The tale is heartbreaking and yet the end seemed like he was content. ...Beautiful and amazing piece Alan ....Well done :)