Transition

tomorrow’s leaves are falling today --

dropping like stars from the branches of my tree,

not quite dying, but sick -- on the edge --

 

            the birds still roost in her naked boughs,

unwilling to give up their stick and mud homes,

until the last gray leaf has fallen

            and they are utterly exposed

 

I bear witness from the window as summer steals

the best of her bark -- no pouting plums upon my table

            this year --

her bowl remains empty, concave and clean

 

miracles are bees buzzing about my head,

and I am Saint Anthony of Padua, preaching to the fish,

with a voice undaunted by the practical nature of neutrality --

            I will find what has been lost

 

            in the air about this place, in the mist that hangs low

like a bride’s veil -- I will touch the weathered trunk of my tree

and give her back the will to turn gray to green, or at least

 

            the dignity to die in the arms of a friend

Reviews

[Astro]

My mother taught me so many years before of St. Anthony of lost socks and dreams. At least that's how I like to imagine him, standing above the shore peering into depths searching for lost remnants that wash up to the coast from sunken ships and times erosion of seaside villages. Whenever I had lost something she would say, "Pray to St. Anthony and you will find it." Somehow praying to Saints always seemed easier than praying to God(s), I think it is because Saints were once human, and their lives give way to inspiration, where God(s) remain a mystery and give less of a reassuring feeling to the person praying. I believe you bring up an important point in this poem about how life can begin to wither if enough care isn't taken to ensure it's blossoming. The last line of the poem is one of bitter sweetness, for even though something/someone will not die alone, it 'is' still death. There is a small typo in this line, "... in the mist the hangs low...". Let there be rejuvenation, for death is not so lonely that he needs more company just yet.

A very thought provoking read my friend.

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

Thank you, my friend...and thank you for catching the blunder of my quick fingers :)

[Astro]

It's that piercing eye I have in the middle of my forehead, it catches meaning and mistakes equally, lol.

[Alia ZJ.]

Forgive my juvenile mind, for it could not capture the depth and meaning of the poetry as supposed to be, still I hear some metaphors ringing and buzzing in my brain. The beginning and especially the end were powerful! You spill magic, Sarah. :D
Keep inspiring ones like me. :)

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

The fact that you are inspired is more than I could ever ask for or expect. Thank you :)

[Leigh]

Good opening line and even better ending - you have created a beautifully sad and moving image within a smoothly woven tapestry of descriptives.

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

Thank you so very much...truly.

[Tom]

An indeed, pouting plums & mist hanging low like a bride's veil are the best lines I've read anywhere in ages, pure poetic magic!

Could the ailing tree be a very ill person who is being reassured and comforted by a trustworthy friend that will be by their side no matter come what may ?

Whatever, a captivating, heartfelt read !

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

Well, the tree is definitely a metaphorical tool, though it is a tangible reality as well. I'm glad you saw both sides. :) Thank you so very much for your kind words, I'm humbled.

[MsJewel]

Your use of metaphors and imagery is outstanding which draws the reader into your poetry and we are there with you... watching from the window as summer steals the best of her bark...absolutely brilliant writing. I have fast become a fan! :) Julie

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

I am so happy, Julie...thank you so much for your kind words. I am humbled.

[Frieda P]

...'the dignity to die in the arms of a friend' holy Friday, you never cease to amaze me, killer last line, the entire work was fascinating and most enjoyable. Amazing should be your pen name.

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

Aaaww...you make me smile, Frieda. I am humbled by your praise!

[Frieda P]

Well deserved my friend!

[SteveB]

WOW

The ending is superb.
Absolutely superb!
I love the image you created and the metaphor [I presume the tree is a metaphor] being carried out so well throughout the piece. And the little touches, like St. Anthony and the mist hangng like a bridal veil were very well done.
And the first line is classic.
You often make me consider dropping my pen and strictly being a reader. I adore your work.

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

You humble me, my friend! Thank you so much :)

[SteveB]

With your skill you should never be humbled, only exhalted.

[DJ]

I really enjoyed this one Sarah, it flows as sweetly as a river, the metaphors you use are amazing and your words always transport me to another place, because you use imagery so well. It made my mind drift and dream. Thanks :)

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

Thank you so much, your words mean a lot!

[Pryde Foltz]

I have a feeling, Sarah, there are a plenty of 'pouting plums' down the line, the bees will come and make their honey. Well-played out allegory.

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

Thank you so much, Pryde, for seeing the deeper meaning in this one.

[K. Louis]

This one has impressed me. First of all, the flow is terrific...and the metaphors are beautiful.. I can't really pick out which I like best..every stanza really had its place. We are lucky to see the transitions. Well done Sarah!

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

Thank you, K...I was in a bit of a different mood when I wrote this; been reading a lot of classic poetry, and I felt the need to attempt to make the metaphors a little more crisp and a little less expansive. It means a lot that you enjoyed this one; I truly respect your opinion!