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the little leaf


clinging tenaciously by its needle toe

the dry golden leaf

trembles and twists

a tortured dance in the chill wind

and refuses to let go -

afraid to die


the breeze reconnoiters

draws back and whips again

wheezing up the trunk

rifling the raggedy branches

into a twitching frenzy

but the little leaf holds on


the shifty air hangs still

and contemplates

the shrivelled yellow leaf

spinning on its skeleton thread

etching nervous patterns

at the tip of its tiny twig


relentless the wind shivers  once more

a testy bustle in the black boughs

with a quiver of finality

the little leaf snaps -

leaps into the cold blue air

and cries  ‘I  fly!  I’m free!




Cynthia Buell Thomas 

nature Autumn

◄ Lines on Picasso's APERITIF

Creation ►

Comments

<Deleted User> (8730)

Mon 31st Jan 2011 15:11

Fantastic, talks to me about old age, freedom, the countryside, winter and spring. I used to live near a forest in Weardale in County Durham. That last leaf is unique isn't it?

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Freda Davis

Wed 10th Nov 2010 22:30

This is well expressed. I love 'the shifty air' and 'etching nervous patterns'. You watch the leaves and wonder how they can cling on. Very seasonal.

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Elaine Booth

Mon 8th Nov 2010 21:59

Really enjoyed this. Gave me a shock of recognition as it reminds me to a poem I wrote years ago, using some of the exact same words! But it was not at all as well conceived and realised as your poem.

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Ann Foxglove

Sat 30th Oct 2010 18:24

Lovely observation, giving the little leaf a character. But does he know what's coming next?

<Deleted User> (8753)

Sat 30th Oct 2010 18:17

Cynthia, how good to see you again, it as been to long (used to be maipenrai).

to the poem, very good observations and vidul content, enjoyed.
Bernie

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Cynthia Buell Thomas

Sat 30th Oct 2010 16:57

Yes, 'the little leaf' has come again, from August, when many persons then made comments which were much appreciated. I have revised the explicitness of the idea, which may resonate in greater harmony during this autumn season.

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