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 🍃

[Kesch (Finding Julia)]

WOW! Tis' a very thought out piece and written so well. Bravo!

[Richard🖌]

Thank you, Kescha : )
Your lovely words and praise are what keeps an olde bard's pen filled and ready to write and please.

Bless you your gratifying generosity! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[John the Baptist]

A very poignant look at loneliness here. The first two verses could be a metaphor for death itself, with the leaves symbolizing humanity. The rest of the poem depicts the very human feeling of one who has lost someone dear and is continually reminded of the fact by ordinarily unnoticed things such as single strands of hair on a pillow. This is a beautiful work, a searing comment on the human condition. Coming to terms with it is the work of a lifetime. Well done.

[Richard🖌]

Thank you sincerely, John, for selecting one of my rather forlornly yearning little pieces to read and comment on.
I find your take on it both interestingly imaginative, and insightful to the poem's core essence.
Your praise and expressions of understanding are the kind of encouraging gratification an olde bard shares his humble efforts in hopes of receiving.

Your gracious review is gratefully received, Dear Fellow Poet! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Vin]

This is ful of life! I mean apart from the words, and the emotions- There's something that stirs. You have a way of connecting!

[Richard🖌]

Thank you most gratefully, Vin : )
Your decision to select one of my humble little verses to read, comment on, and compliment is truly as fulfilling as an aspiring poet could wish.

Your words are most gracious and inspiring.
Bless you sincerely, Sir Poet! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Cherrie]

... the kinship of change...
Man I still love that line.

[Richard🖌]

Ah, Dear Cherrie 🎶
I love it that you're still reading this gently moving little verse in homage to loneliness.

For what higher compliment and gratification could a hopeful bard wish, from such a lovely poetess! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Beccy]

Have read this several times now. Each time I draw from it's well of understanding.

Beccy.

[Richard🖌]

Hi, Dear Beccy : )
I'm so very happy you chose this poignant little Free Verse to read and reread a time or two, drawing more from its essence each time.
You must have found suitable favour in it to do that … and, how gratifying that is for me to know; especially, by one I hold in such esteem.

Thank you, Beccy, ever-so gratefully! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Beccy]

I cannot adequately explain why I come back to a poem; and it seems to matter not whether it is a few simple lines, or a long, intricately woven classic ode. But then, if I could explain the attraction, I would be in possession of the Holy Grail. :))

[Richard🖌]

Ever-so humbly ⁓ yours.

[Fay Slimm]

A poetic gem of a read which allies the fate of a leaf with the lonely feel of an empty pillow - this catches the lament of one left alone and who laments the change as the withering leaf sighs for its fall from tree protection........... the picture adds too with its one-handed show of autumnal destiny. Thank you Richard for caring and sharing so tenderly the fate of one dying leaf.

[Richard🖌]

G'day, Lady Fay 🍂
I am so happy you've selected this rather poignant little Free Verse to read and review for me.
Thank you ever-so warmly for your expressed praise.
However, from your comments, I'm left wondering if you grasped the true spirit and essence of this humble verse.
Perhaps, rereading it might shed further light on its true meaning.

Whatever, you know I'm going to be thrilled to find you taking an interest in my wee efforts.
With a big hug … warmest thanks, Fay! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Franco]

Your poem was refreshing, and great use of different font styles it really added to the theme. Though the poem's meaning was loneliness I couldn't help but feel happy while reading it perhaps because it was so artistically actualized. This poem definitely belongs in a book. Such talent.

[Richard🖌]

Hi, Franco,
Thank you for selecting one of my humble little pieces to read and comment on … I am honored.
Your expressed enjoyment, appreciation, and praise are all a hopeful bard wish for.

May your day be as pleasant as you've made mine! ⁓ Richard 🍃