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 🍃

[lightsong]

there is the coldness of the body, and there is coldness of the spirit, the emptiness of the heart, and nothing as cold as harsh as being close to the one You love yet they are far away with their hearts, and nothing as cold as the empty spaces Your love left You behind, what that lovely leaf didn't know that to shiver in skin is much much... better than to shiver in veins, luckily she only knows the coldness of body.

[Richard🖌]

Oh, Dear Gh!
How insightfully brilliant you always interpret, understand, and praise my humble poetic pieces.
No one I know of possesses these special skills more prevalently than do You.
These are why I always hope you'll read, review, and bless my little poems with your lovely, knowing presence.

My most warm and grateful thanks to you! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Kelly Scheppers]

I found this most extraordinary. Explaining loneliness to a leaf. Such a lovely concept, Richard! Much applause and adoration, my friend.

[Richard🖌]

Ah, Kelly Sweet*
Nothing makes my heart skip a beat more than seeing your name as reviewer on one of my humble pieces.

The day seems so much more lovely, now! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Susan 🦋]

This poems seems so alive to me, I can almost feel those leaves beneath my feet... and hear those hushed whispers. From this point on, I will always "hear" those whispers as I walk... I love the comparision with family, just like a "family tree." Though, the sadness that comes across really does hit me hard. The image portrayed is crushing. Not so softly sad. Clearly achieved your intention with this poem.

[Richard🖌]

Dear Susan,
Your heartfelt words recognize and seem to actually feel the essence of this poignant Free Verse work.

With hugs 'n grateful blessings! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Susan 🦋]

How many times I return here... how many times so softly sad. Always so drawn to this. How very much hearts and seasons change... ( gets me everytime)

[Susan 🦋]

...always drawn to this one.

[Richard🖌]

Often,
A reader may connect with a writer's work in sone deeply special way, but it is rare, indeed, for reader and writer to connect the way we do.

[Susan 🦋]

Rare, indeed.

[Susan 🦋]

I always look for this one. Maybe because you’ve captured the feeling of loneliness so well.. maybe because this poem touches something I don’t even understand… either way, I always come back to read.

[Richard🖌]

And, it sweeps me that you do. 💫

[Susan 🦋]

and since I've been reviewing today... yep, you know it, here I am looking at this AGAIN!

[Richard🖌]

Susan Dear 🦋

You are welcome on my pages anytime, all the time, night or day, come rain or shine.
I agree, M'Lady … this piece does have its own unique appeal; in a poignant sort of way.

I am always 'n ever grateful for your intelligently lovely presence, Susan … big HUG🤗! ⁓ Richard