Explaining to a Leaf (softly sad)

Free Verse

Explaining to a Leaf

~ loneliness ~

Winds stalk me,

leaves tremble at my approach …

they are frightened

of the cold that follows.

In hushed, rustling whispers,

as I pass, they ask,

“Why is it you are not afraid?”

Un-answering, my feet march on,

trodding on their fallen brethren,

lovers, sisters, and friends ...

why bother with answers.

Would they understand?

How do you explain to a shivering leaf

that the cold can’t be as bad

as waking up tomorrow,

finding it’s become

as lonely today as every day

is going to be,

what it’s like

finding the same empty bed,

with the same lone hair

stretched out across your pillow;

a single-stranded ghost,

the constant reminder

that all too often,

hearts,

like seasons …

share a kinship of change?

Author's Note

Picture. Compliments of Google images.

Please, feel free to offer constructive criticism and/or well-meant comments. : )

Reviews

[T.S. Ulmus]

Constructive criticism!? How could I possibly dare? This is a masterpiece. In my first read through this piece I was amazed at every turn. You strike me as a man that wouldn't appreciate pure fawning praise but I cannot come up with anything but praise. A master stroke of a true artist.

[Richard🖌]

Thank you most gratefully, Syr TS 🌿

I can conceive of nothing more graciously humbling or genuinely rewarding than to receive such appreciative sincerity, praise, and accolades for one of my earnest Free Verse pieces.
Coming from a fellow-poet so highly accomplished, admired, and respected, as yourself, I am amply assured my hopeful efforts have proven worthwhile.

Well, a little fawning never hurt a thing. ; )
Bountifully overjoyed … your grateful friend ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Ayesha Faiz]

Your poem feels very raw and honest. The way you connect the cold wind and the falling leaves to loneliness makes it hit harder. The image of the empty bed and that one strand of hair really stays in the mind..it shows how loss follows us quietly every day. It’s touching and easy to connect with. Your poems always brings a smile on on my face and it's always a pleasure to read them... I very much enjoyed this piece as well.
Bravo!

[Richard🖌]

Warmest salutations, Dear Ayesha 🍁

Such wonderfully full and meaningful reviews you always gift a hopeful bard of his earnest efforts to write for his readers' enjoyment and pleasure … high praise, indeed, from a young lady-poet of your rising stature.

That we connect so intimately with the emotional timbre and metaphorical complexity of this poem's essence, speaks to your depth's palpable capacity to actually experience my words' more enigmatical vibrancy.

Your smile and pleasure becomes my own …
thank you, Ayesha ⁓ Richard🖌

[Ayesha Faiz]

You're always very welcome!
Stay blessed and stay safe!

[DIVYA]

Dear Richard,

There's a quietness around this poem. A silence. I could feel that cold, lonely bedoom, sans voices, sans warmth. The lonely strand captured the despair, perfectly. And then, there are those leaves, though shivering in the cold, still hanging on with their bunch of mates. Perhaps, company makes the cold less formidable? Indeed, the harshest of seasons in life can be surmounted with kinship and care. This is a beautifully presented poem in which the poet wonders if the leaf would understand his sadness and disillusionment. All of us can relate deeply to your words here. Kudos!

[Richard🖌]

As always, Dear Divya 🎭⁓

Seeing that You have graced one of my poetry pieces lifts an olde bard's spirits, because he knows your keen discernments will graciously convey that you not only properly perceive the core essence of his earnest efforts to write for, connect with, and please his readers, but that you also sincerely enjoy and fully appreciate them.

Indeed, a truly rare individual you are, Divya, to possess the capacity of stepping beyond yourself … into others.

Thank you, Dear Poetess,
ever-so warmly and gratefully! ⁓ Richard 🍂

[Michael Sun Bear]

Hello Richard, I guess I find myself at the back of a long line of reviewers. It’s a wonderful poem. As I read on, I related more and more strongly. Finding it’s become as lonely today as every day is going to be. That slew me, because that is where I am. The last verse was great writing, but I can’t agree with the message. The seasons always turn round to spring and summer, but there come’s a time in real life when one’s life, one’s heart never does.

[Richard🖌]

Coincidentally, Michael,

You are the "100th Reviewer" of this rather doleful Free Verse piece: a rare celebration for this very grateful olde bard … thank you, Syr! 🙏🏼
How inspired I am, too, by such expressions of your appreciation, understanding, praise, and relatability (tho, sadly so).
True, what you say about seasons and hearts; yet, "all too often" they do share the condition of change; albeit, not the same kind, even though (as you so wisely convey) not always.

A brilliantly, highly regarded review … thank you, Michael! ⁓ Richard🖌

[Titilayo Sarah Eguridu]

The life span of a leaf is the same as some relationships.
Some leaves even become mulch for farmers…but when love dies.
It’s remains are too painful to put to good use.
This piece is brilliant.

[Richard🖌]

Ahhh, Titilayo 🍷

Your eloquent voice speaks not only of appreciation for my humble poetic efforts, but with the intellectual bouquet of a lifetime's wisened, vintage wine … no truer words spoken of love's painful demise.

In the glow of your encouraging praise, M'Lady, I sweep low my blushingly grateful chapeau!

Thank you sincerely, Titilayo ⁓ Richard 🍂

[William Propsner]

Explaining to a leaf. A problem indeed. How would you explain to a leaf your troubles.
I liked it a lot.
And thank you for your critique of my short story.
I am a Navy veteran which is why I always try to use familiar terms in all of my 'nautical' stories. Many were in my first novel as well.
I truly appreciate your advice on my sentence structure. Never was good in any English class in school.
I'm getting better me thinks.

Thank you Richard, God Bless

[Richard🖌]

Good morning, William 🌤

I'm so pleased you've dropped-in for a read and enlightening commentary on this rather poignant Free Verse on loneliness. Yes, talking to leaves about one's troubles takes a desperate man, indeed.
Well, Dear Sir, your grammar might fall shy of perfection, but nothing will detract from your skill as an excitingly captivating raconteur. And, I look forward to enjoying more of your nautical tales.
My advice, you are always welcome to … I strive to give my fellow and lady Café friends the best I can. If you wish, tap my shoulder for a helpful hand, anytime.

Ever-so gratefully yours! ⁓ Richard🖌

[Marie]

"hearts,
like seasons …
share a kinship of change"?
No truer lines were ever penned than the closing lines of this classic write. Seasons change and people change and sometimes we find ourselves alone. Breaking up with a loved one is akin to death. It brings that same cold, lonesome feeling which penetrates to one's very bones. You have established the feeling through the most evocative visual detail and expressed it through your excellent choice of words. A very emotive graphic poem, hauntingly beautiful, emotionally moving and heart breaking to read! A warm HUG to dispel the cold feeling and praying the sun has come shining warmly and brightly through the cold grey forbidding clouds for you, dear poet. Thank you for sharing...

[Richard🖌]

Such a beautiful review, Dear Marie 🌾

Here you are again, touching deep within.read moreSuch a beautiful review, Dear Marie 🌾

Here you are again, touching deep within.
Words, like a flame, calling out my name
to your fervent glow; wonders you bestow.
What can a poet say about your lurid way?
"Do keep coming, you have me thrumming!"

Thank you ever-so warmly and gratefully for blessing my humble efforts to write for and please those who come hoping for the pleasure of finding something meaningful, original, and worthwhile laid before them upon the urging page.

Marie, the encouragingly sweet caresses of your words' expressed appreciation, praise, and rapport speak to the core essence of my bardic heart and soul.

You are most gratefully welcome for my sharings, and I thank You for your lovely presence with Me!
Most warmly! ⁓ Richard🖌

[Writergurl]

"How do you explain to a shivering leaf
that the cold can’t be as bad
as waking up tomorrow,
finding it’s become
as lonely today as every day
is going to be,"

I LOVE this part, this is a wonderful write. I love this write a lot.
There is a lot of feeling in this write. Enjoyed.

[Richard🖌]

Thank you, Dear WG 🍂

Ever-so warmly for LOVING and enjoying anything about this poignantly humble poetic effort, that you think is wonderful.
The verse you've highlighted is also my favorite, as it's the poem's core essence.

May your days 'n nights nevermore be lonely! ⁓ Richard🖌

[Amy R]

Brilliant piece I must, another very deep meaningful one!
looking forward to more of your poetry....

[Richard🖌]

Thank you, Amy 🍂

For selecting this Free Verse piece, for your encouraging compliment, and gracious expressions of appreciation.

This one's special to me … hugs! ⁓ Richard🖌

[Amy R]

You're welcome Richard,
this is a really nice piece.
*air hugs* to u my friend

[poetgurl]

constructive criticism - Um I don't think so, This is amazing!
Your last stanza just stands out, love this write.

[Richard🖌]

Another bite!? 🍎

Goodness-ME, Meg, how lucky can a bard get? Three reads and reviews in a row … I'm gobsmacked!
And, there you go again, loving something about my humble little efforts. I am sooo very pleased to have your attention, and to receive such graciously encouraging regard from an accomplished poetess.

Thank you ever-so sincerely, Meg ⁓ Richard🍂