Fallen Leaves Behind

Fallen Leaves Behind

 

I cannot grieve

Not this day at least

For a single fallen leaf

 

Not even for the heaps

The banks and the

Clusters of them scattered

 

Whole constellations

Of them mind

Now well and truly met

 

Those dead or drowning

Caught in the swirl

Of swollen streams

 

Drifting or dried

And frayed at their edges

Yet waiting to be made art

 

Fossilized

Or food for worms

It no longer matters, does it

 

Primary school classrooms

This time of year

Are always full of them

 

For they are now

Once more together, gathered

Where they now belong, in gutters ..

Reviews

[Archishman Rick]

This captures distinctly the natural cycle of birth and death, with a wonderfully allegorical background. Flowers that bloom on a plant grown on a compost, impart freshness and happiness in those that view and smell them. But when one observes the compost, it is seen that it is made up of the remains of other plants and flowers, and that is where the currently thriving ones will eventually end up too. Countless clusters, loads of once vibrant and colourful flora and fauna fade and perish into dull residue, but continue to provide nourishment and give way to the new. That compost example was something I read in a Zen book called 'Touching Peace' by Thich Nhat.
My most generous wishes.

[Neville]

What an absolutely delightful well reasoned and encouraging review you have so generously left here for me my friend .. I am truly honoured .. Thank you so much .. Bestest Regards, Neville

[Einstein Noodle]

hmmmm very thought provoking Nev! the forests and wind sweep and collect them on their floor ..lots of senses are inspired ..i can smell their damp and decaying cologne and the classroom scene in me ol' mind's eye comes clearly into view .. Ma use to make decoupage TV trays with them .. ;)
E.
ps. i think the gutters overflow with them ... inspiring rot between them :(

[Neville]

Thanks for visiting Gene & for daring to inhale ..So very much appreciated .. but it does so pain one to see you frown like that .. Neville

[Einstein Noodle]

:)))))))))))))))))))))

[Neville]

there now, don't that make you feel so much better :))

[Einstein Noodle]

why, yes it does .. indeed Mr. Neville! thank you so much ... i needed that.

[Neville]

told ya, didn't I eh' .. 👍

[Betty Hermelee]

I believe this could be a metaphor …as the leaves fall in various ways, as they age and crumble, so do we… the leaves may end up the same as us, or better, if they are used as art….the difference may be that we tend to grieve for our dead, but do we grieve for a curled up, brow leaf, I don’t think so…. Nice write Neville!
Warmly, B🌷

[Neville]

thanks a million Betty .. you are very warm indeed and I am so glad you caught the art link thingy .. bless you my friend & truly tooly .. Neville

[Betty Hermelee]

You’re so very welcome Neville🌷
Warmly, B

[Chris Shaw]

A very realistic way of looking at fallen leaves. Of course all deciduous trees lose their leaves in autumn. It is part of the natural cycle, and with spring comes rebirth and we will meet them again. That is why spring is my favourite season and autumn is not. Your very beautiful lines are written in times where so many are dying, it somehow seems disrespectful to grieve for a fallen leaf. It is romantic perhaps, but not quite so relevant in the overall picture of a pandemic and other things. However your final stanza where your fallen leaves were to be found in the gutter sort of attacked this southern softie's heart. I use mine for compost. Yes, I still find a use for them. Loving your today's poetry. You are on fire. Such a visual write, with many layers. Great work Neville.

Chris

[Neville]

that's wot we Somersetonians call summat of a win win .... mulchly yours n smiles galore... Neville :)

[Chris Shaw]

win, win is good. So are my leaf mulchies. They make happy compost)

[Neville]

happy compost is a mulch weeded must... flip... I just got a drop of egg yolk down me new 501's
(: