An Autumn Leave

She watches leaves gather in corners,
blocking entrances, they ruffle in amusement
as they begin their descent.
Today the balcony is filled,
silver veined mixed with brash red
and the weather beaten old man,
his corners crinkling at the edges.
However hard she sweeps,
they'll play games of 'cause and effect'
'till what the heck, she'll have to laugh too
as they giggle their way
floating to hang in breathlessness
then gulping as they land,
feather like, peeking to see
who else of the flock
will lay their troth beside them.
Yet only the thrush visits,
visibly riling them as the wily
bird forages for hidden delicacies,
he likes to laugh too as he throws up
piles, then watches them cavort
before they land, higgledy piggledy.
Its on days like this, when the sun
gleams and the witches claws of
newly bared trees, reach out,
grasping at impossible dreams
and filling her with longing.
Her fingertips falter, she splays them
and like the veins on the leaves
she surveys her palms
and wonder which direction
her life will lead her now.




Poetry by Elle The PoetBay support member heart!
Read 654 times
Written on 2009-10-29 at 16:43

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Outstanding. This is one of my favorites of yours. I love the colors of fall, but the dark side of me equates the loss of chlorphyl and dropping of foliage with the coming of winter--hardly my favorite season. I do recall, though, the earthy, musky odor of hickory leaves on the hillside where I grew up. Your poem adds a whimsical, downright joyful, touch to the season and it's a delight.
2009-11-01



Wow Elle, this is great, such a vivid, happy portrayal of fall. It simply bubbles with joy for what you are seeing before you, and the images are wonderful. I love the little internal rhyme: "cause and effect, what the heck . . . " and I love the witchy imagery, and the thrushes playfulness.
Really, this is a memorable poem, one to print and keep at hand.
2009-10-30


ken d williams The PoetBay support member heart!
Enjoyed this very much , just go's to show Autumn is a very untidy season , blocked drains , dead leaves invading the house , rain swept by a driving wind . Oh yes it's autumn!
2009-10-29



You are always a breath of fresh air to read you my friend!! love playing in the leaves with my boys!

sweet write,,my fav

hugs to u of many

cyndi
2009-10-29


NicholasG
I have a million leaves to pick up. This has made it easier.
Thank you!
xox Nick
2009-10-29


Brian Oarr
"Its on days like this, when the sun
gleams and the witches claws of
newly bared trees, reach out,"

... that the poet emerges, telling it like it is with metaphor straight from the universal. Beautifully penned, Elle!

Brian
2009-10-29