The Dance of the Leaftaking

She always seemed to run on ahead,

Skipping, prancing and dancing,

All the way to the Goblin’s Wood

While I followed on, romancing.

She never seemed to see me at all

Though she was my only vision,

The only feature that filled my world

Right through to the intermission.

 

She wore her hair in a plaited braid

That jiggled along behind her,

And left a trail like a dragon’s tail

So bright that the light would blind her,

But I was mesmerised by the legs

That danced in a crazy pattern,

They moved too fast for the man who begs

Or the girl that they call a slattern.

 

I’d see her shadow between the trees

As it weaved and it side-slipped gladly,

Whipping the pale white flight of the breeze

As the leaves whirled around her, madly,

Then all the denizens of the wood

Would come to the sight entrancing,

Dressed in the garb of the neighborhood

I’d leave them behind me, dancing.

 

‘Come out, come out,’ would the Goblins shout

But she’d leave them behind her, whirling,

The old ones suffered from reams of gout

And would sit with their hair there, curling,

I live in hopes that she’ll turn to me

When her dance has become more mellow,

Entwined around the mystery tree

Her dress fading green to yellow.

 

They call her Summer, but Autumn shades

Seem they’re a long time coming,

The leaves are skittering down like blades

In a part of the year that’s slumming,

The breeze is cool as I call her in

From the dance that she’s in the making,

While I, contented, await the sin

She keeps in the oven, baking.

 

David Lewis Paget

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

I liked this poem my friend.
"They call her Summer, but Autumn shades
Seem they’re a long time coming,"
Nice tale led to the good ending. Thank you for sharing the excellent poetry.
Coyote

[M.Babu]

I skipped along this tale fluidly. Absolutely wonderful!
~M.Babu~

[Valentine]

This one flowed from beginning to the end. Parts reminded me of the human elements...other lines brought the changes in nature to mind. Another for my favorites list. Valentine

[Barbz]

Your pen is electric , as it powers ones mind to find its interpretation of your magical, mystical imagination. I, myself, found myself dancing to the ghostly romantic changing of the seasons in the "Goblins Wood" and it's eerily creative beauty and sensuality. David, you never cease to fail us, although I'm sure that you question your own work, as do all our Masters from time to time......Don't!! You are a gift to the Beauty of Poetry. My wish for you is a lifetime of continued inspiration..Thank you, Barbz

[Terrence Chang]

Beautiful writing sir. Extremely well expressed. Vivid imagination to say the least