Just bought this little painting. |
Autumn happens gracefully.
Green leaves lighten up, turn orange,
get tired of clinging,
let go, dive,
fall, while dancing.
Trees stand firm in nonresistance,
unafraid of inevitable baldness and cold,
loss of limbs from weight of snow,
or changing identity
becoming
something else in someone's home.
Imitation gets harder as my own autumn unfolds,
though when young, grace was my goal.
I resist
the changing colors,
gravity's magnetic unkind pull,
my limbs creaking loud
forbidding me to dance.
Knowing it's best to let myself become
I often wage a tug of war,
so tightly I hold on.
But most days I'm brave.
I put fear in its place,
forget all about grace
hug the tree of life,
and carry on.
(Can you guess? Having a birthday this week.)
(Submitted to Dverse Poets and Poetry Jam.)
I like this, Myrna. I understand the idea of hugging the tree of life and carrying on. That is the best alternative when dealing with the autumn season of life, I think. And Happy Birthday to you!!
ReplyDeleteOh Myrna.......even if your limbs creek, do dance!!!! I experience a little fear myself when I hear on the news of someone dying at 72, say, and I realize I am 67.......yoiks. Not ready any time soon! It makes me write faster and faster!!!!! I relate to this poem. And hope you have a WONDERFUL birthday!
ReplyDeleteforbidding me to dance. - You can always dance, joy within and expressed in grace. This is a delightful poem.
ReplyDeletehug the tree of life and carry on... i think that's wonderful...and that's the only thing we can do.. and a little dancing here and there...even with aching knees...smiles
ReplyDeleteI like the feel of resistance you've given this poem ... I imagine you clinging to the tree and swaying in the continual dance called life! Your images and metaphor here are just spot on, Myrna! Beautiful piece!
ReplyDeletea great way to look at autumn ........love the idea of aging gracefully
ReplyDeleteah, we could learn something from autumn's graceful acceptance of is-ness... lovely poem, Myrna
ReplyDeletePlay not too soon the requiem . . . summer lingers where you wish it.
ReplyDeleteYou've written tenderly . . . I saw sunlight in your words.
Cheers!
Let's hug that tree, Sis!
ReplyDeleteYour opening verse could well be carved in stone.
Aloha
smiles...we have those seasons as well for sure...though we try to fight it instead of just letting it happen naturally like the seasons do, appreciating each for what it brings.....
ReplyDeleteOh my Myrna I almost forgot about this being my own autumn. But there is hope in this poem. Thank you.
ReplyDelete"fall while dancing"... that is an awesome line.
ReplyDelete"Knowing it's best to let myself become" and somehow, I find it hard to believe that you are not graceful.
Myrna, this was a very good poem--poignant and yet sturdily holding on inspite f might come. >KB
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday. For myself, I am enjoying my own autumn, and looking forward to the clean lines of winter as well.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous and thought provoking poem as always.
Happy special day to you ~ Hug the tree, dance a bit and carry on ~
ReplyDeleteHug the tree of life... what a beautiful image!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday Myrna! I like the tone of the first stanza. "Hug the tree of life" is a very good image.
ReplyDeleteThat painting - and the poetry - is beautiful.
ReplyDelete......dhole
Happy belated birthday. Sorry I am here late. Wishing you happiness always.
ReplyDeleteLove the poem :)
ReplyDeleteHugging the tree of life is a wonderful phrase. I will turn 34 this Oct and I'm so looking forward . . . one step towards the Fall and like you, I also hug life in its entirety.
ReplyDeleteBig hugs and lots of love, dear Myrna.
Joy always,
Susan
Happy birthday! :-). So, you're also an autumn sign. I have read a few beautiful poems about my favourite season, yours included. They all remind me of how special this time of the year is. Many thanks and have a good one!
ReplyDeleteGreetings from London.
Happy birthday! :-) So you are an autumn sign, too. I have read a few beautiful poems about this, my favourite season, yours included. They all remind me of how special this time of the year is. Many thanks and have a nice one!
ReplyDeleteGreetings from London.
happy birthday week!! i adore your autumn dance, sentinel trees and orange leaves...
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday!
ReplyDeleteThat's a beautiful poem. I love the way you capture the change in seasons. Freedom comes with loss...
get tired of clinging, loved this line. Humans have to learn a lot from the leaves. to uncling when the time is over and to fall graciously.
ReplyDeletehug the tree of life,
and carry on.
These lines carry profound wisdom. beautiful poetry