No Fallen Leaf

A reflection about learning to love myself.

​I tried to be a sturdy tree,
No fallen leaf around.

But, try as me to be like he,
My wings stayed on the ground.

Perhaps to fly was silly,
Why the need when there are planes?

With pen and board, it’s then I soared
To infinity and beyond.

And, ever since, I only wince
When others fail to see.

Author's Note

Just realized the shift in the poem from a tree to a bird...whoops

Reviews

[Tracey~]

I love the foundation of the tree and always viewed the branches and leaves as the conduit to freedom for such a sturdy beast. The way they sway in the wind...leaves fly away.. always a cycle of death and rebirth.. So for me the leaves just became the birds..xo

[Brent]

Wow, yes I hadn't even thought about trees, leaves , and birds in that sense. Astute observation! I just like to think how birds can rise above the trivialities that consume us on the ground.

Thank you for your awesome insights!

[Dee]

There are many valuable trees in this world, yet only a small number of people who soar with inspiration beneath their wings, and you are one of them :)

[Brent]

Thanks for the encouraging words! We all have some strong foundation to hold onto in life. No time like the present to spread our wings and fly!

[Hari Om]

Its expressed with utter beauty..

[Brent]

Short and sweet. That's really nice of you to say! Thank you for your kind words.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

A lesson to all in another relevant piece Brent, in which you extol the virtues shown by King Robert the Bruce; try, try, and try again.

[Brent]

To live is to try. As soon as we stop trying, we stop living anything that resembles a fruitful life. Agree with you that we must keep trying and have a positive attitude.

Thank you for your relatable review!

[Malvika]

I just have to say that I really liked the poem and that it taught me a lot. "I only wince when others fail to see" I agree

[Brent]

Glad you liked my poem! We have much to learn from each other and art is a cool way to do so.

Thank you for your kind words!

[Malvika]

Yes, agreed and you are welcome

[Mark]

Great poem, Brent. Our poems are a gift to infinity, the source of all the muse we get to play with.

[Brent]

It's freeing to unleash our thoughts through the art of poetry. I believe that most of us start out writing for ourselves. When we see how others can relate strongly to our work, our poems become a gift to the greater good.

I appreciate your encouraging remarks!

[Mark]

It was a gift of sorts when one day I seemed to realize that my poetry writes itself. Keep up your good work.

[Stella Armour]

Learning to love yourself first is the gateway to learning to love others... fly my friend, soar high and reach the stars

[Brent]

Agreed, I recognize my own skills and interests. Now, I can channel my passion with a clear purpose.

Thank you for your kind words!

[Stella Armour]

it takes time to understand ourselves and then we move forward with confidence ..

[nastassia]

I like this piece alot; and i know you realized the shift but I think the shift was good. its like leaves are metaphorical for birds

[Brent]

I'm glad you liked my poem! Right, I realize now that leaves are like birds. And since leaves can regrow, it also shows how our ideas and dreams can be reborn.

Thank you for your nice words!

[nastassia]

agreed and you are welcome

[...]

Steady like tree and moving like airplane. What wonderful combination.

[Brent]

Yes my metaphors are even beyond my comprehension sometimes...As long as we have a strong foundation, we can build on our ideas and watch them soar.

Thank you for your thoughtful review!

[Josie E. Cook M. A.]

Changes and realization in life...to soar
with writing is wonderful and to appreciate it is more.
Nice thoughts here.

[Brent]

I like the first two lines of your review are a couplet. Yes, the realization that I only need to change my mindset in order to be happier in life was a revelation.

Thank you for your kind words!

[Josie E. Cook M. A.]

:)
Yes, on writing & changes.

[Mrudula Rani]

With pen and board the artist soars to infinity and beyond. I agree. Beautiful poem.

[Brent]

Such simple tools allow artists to create such magnificent pieces of work. Great to think about the power of simplicity. Glad you liked the poem and thank you for your sincere comments!