Autumn Pilots

look at kamikaze leaves

without hesitation they jump

from a branch on the tallest tree

no parachutes have they

no need to play a violin to help

them on their way

no need for them to hope

for arrival of a rescue boat

they tumble down acceptingly

cast in glorious shades of gold

there is no holding them back

no lack of willingness

they part company so readily

no sad farewells to their parent

a breath of air and they're gone

Reviews

[Lea Sheryn]

It is nice to read a poem about the falling leaves. We don't have the autumn experience in Florida.

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Lea. Thank you for your visit. I hope all is good with you. I can't imagine not having an autumn. Our leaves are in free fall at present. Can be very pretty to look at but also very messy if you are a gardener. All good wishes.

Chris

[Lea Sheryn]

Thank you, Chris. I lived in the northeast of the States when I was growing up so I remember the changing of the seasons. I've been in Florida for over 30 years.

[Betty Hermelee]

I'm watching them fall right now from my window as I type this review. They are loners, each one takes its own path downward, gracefully. When they are ready, they fall gently, twisting and turning and swirling to the the earth in a patchwork of color. They need no rescue; they will themselves to swoop. Lovely way to describe autumn. Well written poem Chris. As always, Betty

[Chris Shaw]

Such a lovely poetic response from you Betty. Yes, it is a delight to watch both the colour and movenent of leaves falling. Have to say I like the sounds too. Nothing like kicking up and listening to the rustle of leaves. Now my inner child is coming out to play. Keep safe dear Betty.

Chris

[Dave Brown]

I think these crazy's wait impatiently through both spring and summer just to enjoy this wild jumping spree

[Chris Shaw]

Wouldn't it be fun if they could bungee jump. Ha, what a thought. Thank you Dave.

[butterfly]

A beautiful poem and a wonderful way to revel in the autumn. :)

[Chris Shaw]

Lovely to see you butterfly. Thank you for your valued visit.

Chris

[Ana Papaya]

Beautiful metaphors used.
It's so pretty this time of year.
I took my dog to the forest and took some nice pics of the colours
Lovely writing Chris :)

[Chris Shaw]

Your dog must have loved that trip as much as you Ana. Thank you so much for checking this one out. Have a great Thursday.

Chris

[Ana Papaya]

He loved it, yes. :)
You're welcome!

[Jimmy Yetts]

A lovely, wonder-filled piece of work.
Your perspective, decidedly unique.
Stimulating to have experienced such delightful insights.

[Chris Shaw]

What a lovely response Jimmy. I thank you.

Chris

[Beccy]

A wonderful paean to the loveliest of seasons Chris. I adore autumn, especially the richness of colours that abound. We can learn much from nature; not the least lesson being how essential rebirth is to the eternal cycle of life.

Beccy.

[Chris Shaw]

So pleased you enjoyed this autumn effort Beccy. Thank you kindly for checking in with your thoughts.

Chris

[John the Baptist]

This is another of the poet's nature offerings, and a beautiful one it is. Never thought of leaves as suicide pilots, but kamikaze means "Divine Wind," and the poem suggests that is what is at work here. The golden leaves make no resistance, just let go when the right time comes. No sad farewells, indeed. I most fervently agree; my living will says no heroic measures to keep my mostly dead body alive. A breath of air and I'm gone.

[Chris Shaw]

Always good to hear your thoughts John. Thank you so much for checking this one out. All good wishes.

Chris

[Unspoken poet]

I like the metaphor I got from this write, wonderfully written

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Kay-T. Appreciate your response. I am liking your new avatar. Is that you?

Chris

[Ted Kniffen]

Be-leaf it or not, it is the cycle that plays out for our enjoyment ... pity the poor firs and pines that stay that same old boring green. The Lion King can lay claim, but trees represent the true circle of life, undressing in autumn, shivering naked all winter, then pulling on a fresh set of clothes in Spring.

Good one Chris

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Ted for that truly poetic response. So visual. A poem itself. All good wishes.

read moreThank you Ted for that truly poetic response. So visual. A poem itself. All good wishes.

Chris