Life Cycles

when a bud bursts into leaf

in the green hope of spring

to grow all summer through

in a glorious canopy of shade

before autumn finds it falling

leafless in winter's bareness

we are reminded of cycles

and rejoice in their wonder

Reviews

[Shelley Warner]

Ah yes, the cycles of nature. I was upstairs in my room the other day when I looked out my window at the gigantic deciduous trees that have been fully green since Spring. "John!" I exclaimed, "the leaves are already turning color!" It was only August 20, but I guess Autumn is coming.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Shelly. You are right, autumn is calling already. Hoping you and yours are keeping well. Warmest wishes.

Chris

[Shelley Warner]

Yes, we are. Hope you are doing well too.

[shadrach hah]

Hi Chris, yes, life's cycles, what wonderful imagery within your wondrous lines. As always, your gentle words make the heart sing. I love the content of this write. A joy to read, Chris. Have a wonderful Sunday. Hugs always....Mike.

[Chris Shaw]

A belated thank you. Better late than never.

Chris

[barleygirl]

Living in California, where seasons are not very noticeable, feeling the change of seasons isn't as pronounced as in your poem. But I do love the idea of cycles & the moon is what lights my way thru the lights and darks (((HUGS)))

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Margie. Dylan gave this old poem an airing. Pleased you found it too. Yes, the moon moves in cycles too and very visual with it. Have a great Sunday.

Chris

[Dylan Macadham]

Speaking of happiness, thanks Chris,
In a small sprouting bud you've captured, in your inimitable style and phrasing, the thought we are most ardent to suppress, that one day we too will fall from the tree. ...which makes your "Life Cycles" a healthy reminder to rejoice in the time we have :)

[Chris Shaw]

Oh Dylan, don't focus today on the inevitable. Instead kick your shoes off, feet up, black coffee and brandy. And think of how that new girlfriend is making you smile :) Thank you my friend fir checking in.

Chris

[Dylan Macadham]

MuchThanks for your PepTalk, pal. You're right, it's not too late, here, for a shot of breakfast brandy :) haha

[Fran Marie]

to everything turn, turn...
yes the season's show
life's cycle ...as with
nature we go through
the same process from
the cradle to the grave
I like the way you wrote
this..very well penned

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Fran Marie for checking this poem out. You are appreciated.

Chris

[Carina Baumert]

Beautiful, elegant, and simple. The kind of poetry I like, thank you for sharing this piece.

[Chris Shaw]

I'm so pleased you enjoyed the read Carina. Thank you so much. All good wishes.

Chris

[Samuel Dickens]

We certainly do rejoice in nature's ways. (I do, at least) While it's sad to see things fresh and new fade from the world, we can take comfort that they'll be reborn in a few months. It's not quite the same for us, however, and I think it takes a certain maturity to see our own demise as something beautiful. "Mother Nature, couldn't you just make an exception with us?" She smiles and nodes her head, "No, child, that would just mess up everything."

[Chris Shaw]

You are so right Sam about our own demise. We are not programmed to return. I am reasonably happy about that. When we lose our nearest and dearest it makes us truly realise that our time here is limited. In the mean time it's great to experience the seasons and especially spring each year with the rebirth of favourite flowers and shrubs. Thank you for reviewing this little poem. Have a great day.

Chris

[Remanence]

When I read this beautiful work, I thought about when I once planted a flowering pear tree, a variety named "Chanticleers". The temperature was absolutely blistering and as I dug the hole, the little 12' container tree gave me its cooling shade, and even before it was set in the hole, a robin flew up and perched in it. Our "Rooster" (so named because of Chanticleers) has set off the corner of my house for 10 years now and aside from still giving shade for my patio, it has given of itself to others each of those 10 years: its flower buds and blossoms to the Purple Finches as food when spring is late, cover for these finches when the Blackbirds are on a rant, and safe nesting for them. It is stunningly beautiful, as is "Life Cycles", which absolutely resonates with life, time and purpose, and with the wonder of it all.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Watercress for your lovely review. The story and name of your pear tree and robin reminded me of Geoffrey Chaucer, an old English poet and the Canterbury Tales. Yes, planting a tree, you reap so many benefits, beauty of the leaves in all seasons, beauty of the blossom, shade in summer, fruit, wildlife. It just keeps adding. So pleased you enjoyed my little poem. All good wishes.

Chris

[Remanence]

All of your writing is a joy . Your reflections are portraits of all the best of what our earth offers the discriminating eye and written so enjoyably to read. It is who you are. :)

[Chris Shaw]

You are very kind :)

[Diamond]

Very refreshing and true. Nature is home for one and all. The poem sounds like the pleasant breeze of the first spring. Thank you for sharing.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Diamond. Your visit and thoughts very welcome and also appreciated.

Chris

[Diamond]

To read about the Magic of Nature, is my pleasure.

[butterfly]

I love this poem about spring and the seasons. It makes me imagine my gardens and the lovely flowers going through many life cycles in natural beauty. I am always inspired by your poems Chris!

[Chris Shaw]

Your lovely comment is truly appreciated butterfly.

Chris

[wordman]

this is where it all started,we tend to linger there

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Ron for checking this one out. Pleased you called. Hope you are well.

Chris

[wordman]

you`re welcome,just a little under the weather

[Chris Shaw]

Hope you feel better soon. Take care.

[wordman]

me too,thanks