"Leaves"

“Leaves”

Leaves rhythmically flutter; pretty colors dazzle the eye

While others speak of weary travels.

They twirl and gracefully fall to the hard ground

Only to be crumpled by footsteps unaware of their presence.

Leaves have always fallen just as man,

But each will return in another form.

© Barbra L.

Comments: 20

William Dotani Sep 27, 2009, 8:04pm EDT

Many experiences flow from the imagery in your verse. You ending made me think of the cycle of life and reincarnation.

Barbra L. Sep 28, 2009, 11:05am EDT

I think the imagery flows from between the lines, i.e., what isn’t said. It’s the blank spaces that spark the memories for me of the many experiences. Thank you, William, for your thoughtful comments. Always nice to see you.

William Dotani Oct 11, 2009, 4:14pm EDT

I see what you mean. I must say I like how you use action to give this vibrant imagery.

Barbra L. Oct 14, 2009, 11:42am EDT

Thank you, William.

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Autumn Farrington Sep 28, 2009, 7:07am EDT

Lovely tribute to your grandmother, Barbra. I especially like these tender lines: “Leaves rhythmically flutter”//They twirl gracefully”. Gently woven into your content as well is the symbolism of the weariness travel can pose for leaves (and man); yet hopefulness with regard to the leaves returning as mulch to nourish the ground juxtaposed with hu(man)ity’s resurrection. I know how much you loved your grandmother and I’m sure she would be deeply touched with this allegoric brevity.

Barbra L. Sep 28, 2009, 10:56am EDT

I was hoping the graceful twirl phraseology would illuminate the rhythmic flutter of the leaves. Thank you for having put those lines together, Autumn. Yes, I loved my grandmother so much. I will never forget her kind manner. Her inspiration inspiringly lingers…

William Dotani Oct 11, 2009, 4:16pm EDT

Autumn's comment would be a nice preface to the meaning of love in this poem.

Barbra L. Oct 15, 2009, 8:56am EDT

That's an excellent suggestion, William. This was the first poem I wrote when I came to Gather three years ago (Sept. 30) shortly after the autumn season had begun. My grandmother so loved the 'fall' of the year. Every leaf I collect in the autumn season reminds me of her. I have countless numbers of leaves pressed inside the pages of 'old books' I treasure. *Thank you for your most poignant comment.

William Dotani Oct 27, 2009, 12:36pm EDT

The beauty of Autumn you and your grandmother shared. Such sharing is forever etched in your warm soul.

Barbra L. Nov 3, 2009, 8:32am EST

A most poignant observation, William. Very astute on your part, for every year the bond grows stronger.

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Kushal Poddar Sep 28, 2009, 7:50am EDT

A touching and fluid writing. The use of easy metaphor and beyond the words silence added something extra.

A walk through a festival

Barbra L. Sep 28, 2009, 10:49am EDT

The “Sounds of Silence” do speak quite loud, don’t they? You pack an insightful wallop w/in the brevity of your comment, Poddar. You’ve quite the poet’s heart!

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