Scorched Earth Burned Leaves

Written at the beginning of August, but not posted

a profusion of leaf fall
drifts to litter scorched earth
while straw grass thirsts

trees in our valley
are fooled by prolonged
summer heat

their foliage in defeat
turns after blistering sunburn
to russet and golds

in survival mode
autumn arrives with blue skies
seemingly unperturbed

the balance
has been disturbed
water runs dry supplies dried out

source of the river
once a trickle of playful stream
disappears from sight

and what of us
are we too parched by drought
longing for refreshing rain

Reviews

[DIVYA]

Dear Chris,

A very special poem to read especially now when we are all wishing spring and summer would hurry up and return.

I especially loved this poem for its fantastic description of the summer heat and its scorching, stunning effect on the leaves. Robbed of all the water, everything feels so parched, so done by the heat. And then the seasons change and we're left longing for warmth and the circle of seasons is complete. How symbolic of the constant flux of life.

I'm so happy to read you today and take in the rich meaning in your words in this multilayered poem.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you divya. Quite a contrast in temperature between then and now. So much heat last summer. We really aren’t used to that on this side of the pond. A special thanks for diving in to the archives. Much appreciated my friend. 🌺

[DIVYA]

It was such a pleasure to read this poem today. Your archives are a treasure! You're most welcome, dear Chris. 🙋‍♀️💕

[Chris Shaw]

What a lovely thing to say :) Have another one of these 🌺

[DIVYA]

Thanks a lot, my friend.... :)

[Neville]

The journey back to August was most welcome & provide among other things insight and a brief respite from todays cold & near freezing rain .. I am grateful for my late start today & for being able to read this little ray of sunshine before duty calls again .. kindest Regards, Neville

[Chris Shaw]

Over a year ago. That was a hot weekend on the river in August. Remember it well. Pleased to have put some sunshine into your day yesterday. Many thanks Neville.

Chris

[Neville]

You are so very welcome Chris .. Neville

[Coyote Poetry]

Was a hot Summer in Michigan too. We got lucky in Michigan. The rain came in August.
"and what of us
are we too parched by drought
longing for refreshing rain"
I understand the above lines. So hot in the Summer. My poor roses didn't bloom. Thank you dear Chris for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Yes dear Coyote, it was a scorcher of a summer. Far too hot for me. I am not sorry the weather is cooler. Thank you for your kind words. I need to catch up with your work and will make a point of visiting later today. All the very best to you.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

Hello dear Chris. Michigan had perfect September and October. 70 degrees in the day and 50 in the night. I hope you are doing well and you are welcome.

[W. Barrett Munn]

Saw another review so came back for another look and still as impressed as before. I especially like the trophes 4 and 5 where the rhyme is delivered by two stanzas. Just marvelous.

Winston

[Chris Shaw]

You made my day. Coming back for a second read means alot. Mabt thanjs Winston. You are appreciated.

Chris

[Sean M. Addams]

Very deep piece and thought provoking. Nature is always unpredictable. Overall I liked this alot

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Sean. I appreciate your thoughts and your visit. Pleased you stopped by.

Chris

[Laz K.]

We are reminded of the natural order of things every once in a while - but usually only when something goes "wrong." No matter how technologically developed we get, we are still in the hands of forces far greater than ourselves.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Laz for stopping by and leaving your thoughts. Have a good day.

Chris

[Fabian G. Franklin]

I enjoyed your poem. We have had a dry September as well. They say there's rain on the way next week sometime. Hopefully things will get replenished. Bless, F.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Fabian. We have now had plenty of refreshing rain. I hope you get some soon. All the best. I appreciate your visit.

Chris

[Blunt--Instrument]

Everything lately is about climate change, drought and scorched earth. We poisoned ourselves and once more I view humans as a failed experiment…

Like

[Chris Shaw]

Yep, can't help thinking our planet would be better off without us. We certainly haven't done her any favours. Many thanks for your visit.

Chris

[Gee]

How strange nature fooled into a premature autumn, seeing trees dropping leaves so early a strange sight indeed. Perhaps this the first signs of DOOM :)
Enjoyed this muchly Christine

[Chris Shaw]

Pleased that we have now had plenty of rain and the scorched earth is now green again. Plenty of golden leaves floating on the river's surface this morning Gee. Thank you for checking in.

Chris

[Robert Haigh]

A long hot summer for many of us. Trouble is, it has been too dry and (at times) too hot! Global Warming is coming back to bite us! The old norms of nature are being disrupted, with potentially devastating consequences. A poem with a message for all of us!

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Robert, thank you for your thoughtful review. Sorry for late response. I have had a very busy week with no time for poetry. I have plenty of catching up to do. Have a good Friday.

Chris