A Twist of Fate

blown by warm breath from an

upturned palm to gently descend

into fast moving waters

from atop a rickety bridge

red rose petals fall on a cold day

to float hurriedly away

caught in a swirling current

they do not hesitate as their

fate is already known

they do not linger, they do not

tarry, for they are carried 

downstream on a sudden flurry

of windswept leaves

a golden handshake from an 

understanding nearby tree 

a trail of silent sighs

of dreams with invisible seams

of luke warm memories

Reviews

[Andrew John]

Petals fall. Leaves fall, too. We get that in the fall. Calendar-wise that season begins in two days' time here in the UK. Thanks for a picturesque parade of words, Chris. I feel not so much going downstream emotionally when I read good poetry. More of a lift.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Andrew. If these lines gave you a lift, then I am delighted. I appreciate your visit. Have a great week-end.

Chris

[Weeping willow]

Autumn is bringing changing winds in many forms as nights come cooler and darker, Life in itself is changing beneath the winds ;-] Wonderful write. I especially like the last two parts. of windswept leaves, a golden handshake from an understanding nearby tree. a trail of silent sighs of dreams with invisible seams of lukewarm memories.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you my friend. I have just paid you a visit. Really appreciate your thoughtful review. Autumn is not the best season for me. I am a spring gal, but all seasons have their beauty and emotional pull, whether sad or happy. Have a great week-end.

Chris

[keith]

somethings follow the natural order some kinda sorta
autumn is the yearly blast of color balancing the presence of spring green the brite of summer the gray tones of winter
leaves are the carriers autumn rides piggy back
the yearly reminder perhaps we are not as much in charge as we think or would like to believe
we are like the plastic grocery bag dancing in a fro and to manner unable to control every turn

you have a keen sense of nature that gives credibility to your words

[Chris Shaw]

What a fabulous review Keith. Thank you for noticing my keen sense of nature. The seasons certainly have an effect on my emotions. Hope all is good with you and I thank you for stopping by.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

You bring the palm leaves and Rose petals to life in this well crafted poem. It is our lives that are "floating away" as time flows quickly for us...and the understanding tree knows of our lives and our memories....some good, some not so, but this is part of life, we can't float backwards, we must keep moving in the best way that we can.
LOVELY!
Best, B

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Betty. Good to see you and thank you for your thoughtful review. I hope dear friend you had a divine holiday. All the best.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

You're very welcome dear Chris! Good to be back at the Cafe!
Best, B

[Robert Haigh]

This reminds me of my 5-year-old grandson! He loves to blow the seeds from dandelion clocks, and play "poo sticks" in the stream when we visit a local country park. A delightful poem, evoking memories of childhood! The final stanza is quite magical!

[Chris Shaw]

So pleased this poem reminds you of your grandson Robert. Your review is delightful. Thanks for stopping by and have a great week-end. All good wishes.

Chris

[augustus]

I preferred to watch poo sticks floating down river! However, your words evoke fond memories of an almost forgotten child hood. Thank you Christine.

[Chris Shaw]

Your response is very welcome Augustus. Fond memories of childhood at the moment can help us forget the scary stuff going on under our noses. Keep safe and well.

Chris

[augustus]

Thank you! I'm pleased to say I've had the first jab!

[Chris Shaw]

Delighted to hear that. My mum gets hers today in her nursing home. My step dad and my aunt had theirs a week ago. It's the only way out of this God awful mess. Light at the end of the tunnel, but there is still much misery to go yet.

[Rick Puetter]

This is again very nice, Chris. Tying the rose petals to fate and destiny paints wonderful analogy, and the handshake from the tree is a nice touch. Greatly enjoyed.

[Chris Shaw]

A lovely review Rick. Pleased you enjoyed the read. Many thanks for your time.

Chris

[red93]

Another excellent use of the 3 line stanza form Chris - I'm not sure if you are familiar with the concept of 'Flow', much used in Sports Science ? Anyway a great example of imagery and rhythm.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thank yous. I really appreciate your response. All good things. Not much knowledge of sports science I'm afraid. Willing to learn though :)

Chris

[red93]

There's lots of stuff on the Web Chris - just type 'Flow - Sports Science' into Google Search 👍👍👍

[Chris Shaw]

Will do. Thank you for getting back to me. Have a good Sunday :)

[Ankita Dwivedi]

Flow with the flow and all will fall in place ... it's always an honour to read your work ma'am ..keep safe :)
Love , Ankita

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Ankita, so good to have you visit. Thank you and take good care of yourself.

Chris

[Gee]

Hopefully this here leaf has a few more years hanging on to life's twig :))

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Gee, please forgive the late response.

Chris

[Gee]

You are forgiven my child :))